Dave Short - Musical Director
Member
since: 2002
Our Musical Director
Dave Short started playing trombone at the age of 7. He says “Dad was
bass trombonist in the Vale of Glamorgan Brass band so he dragged me
along (so it’s him you have to blame!).”
Before going to University he played with Melingriffith Brass band, the
National Youth Brass band of Wales, the National Youth Orchestra of
Wales, the Young Ambassadors Band of Great Britain and Rogerstone Band.
Whilst at College he played with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band
and when Dave returned to Wales he took up the Bass Trombone seat at
the world famous Cory Band.
He then joined the Sun Life (Stanshawe) Band in 1995 until it’s sad
demise in 1997 when the band lost sponsorship and decided to stop
playing whilst still at the top of its game.
Dave has freelanced since 2000 with numerous Championship bands,
orchestras and Big Bands throughout Wales and the South of England, and
has been privileged to have performed with various ensembles
including the Welsh Philhamonia, All Souls Orchestra (London), the
Cardiff Philharmonic, the City of Cardiff Symphony Orchestra, the Welsh
Jazz Orchestra, BTM, Parc and Dare and Flowers Brass bands to name just
a few.
As well as performing concerts in many of the top concert venues across
the UK & Europe Dave says “I have been lucky enough
throughout my banding career to have competed in most of the main
contests: Europeans, Nationals, Open, English Nationals, Brass in
Concert and Masters”.
Dave took up the baton around 1999 with Melingriffith Band and Celynen
Colliery before eventually joining the Vale in 2002, this was after
being appointed Head of Music at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School
in Barry.
Dave’s says “As MD I have seen the band grow from a nucleus of 8 or 9
players to the (almost) full band that is currently in place.
I am looking forward to exciting times ahead and am pleased to be a
continuing part of this progressive and ambitious Band”.
Dave is married with 3 Daughters, 5 Grandchildren and a Greyhound
He is currently employed as Head of Pastoral Care at St Richard Gwyn
Catholic High School Barry.