Morgan Bland joins the Rath Pack

Rath Trombones has welcomed teenage English trombonist Morgan Bland to its growing roster of Artists.

At 18, Morgan is one of the youngest Rath Artists in the company’s history but he has already enjoyed a stellar musical career.

He has been the recipient of several awards including the Special Prize for Trombone and the PBP Institute Prize at the Positively Brass and Percussion Symposium at the Hochschule Fur Musik in Trossingen, and was named British Trombone Society Student of the Year in 2023.  Morgan made the live rounds for the BBC Young Musician 2024.  

Morgan recently finished sixth form at Wells Cathedral School and has chosen to study at the Royal College of Music from September, where he will also join the other members of his trombone quartet Bone Voyage.

Reflecting on his new association as a Rath Artist, Morgan said: “I’m very excited to be invited to become a Rath Artist, and to join an incredible set of musicians and idols I have admired for as long as I can remember. I feel honoured to join a team I have revered since I started playing.

“I have always been very impressed by the quality of the hand-made instruments and the freedom given with each customisable aspect of Rath trombones, to create the sound and playing experience that suits me best.  

“Thanks to Tim, Mick and the team for giving me their valuable time and always making me feel welcome.”

Morgan began playing the trombone aged six in brass bands in Leicestershire before starting lessons with Kevin Dye. 

After spending a year at the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and aged just 13, he moved away from home to study as a Specialist Musician at Wells Cathedral School under Emily White and Tom Lees. 

During his time at Wells he has performed many solo recitals, chamber group ensemble and symphony orchestra concerts, and had many opportunities to study under some of the best trombone players in the world, and to play alongside exceptional students from the music conservatoires. 

He has played as guest soloist with the Frome Symphony Orchestra and the Tredegar Band, performed with the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra, Järvi Academy Symphony Orchestra, National Children's Orchestra, and held the position of principal trombone of the National Youth Orchestra, with which he performed at the BBC Proms on three occasions. 

Morgan is always keen to inspire other young brass players and keen to support the work of the British Trombone Society, attending and performing at BTS events, helping out where he can, whilst promoting Rath Trombones to anyone who will listen. 

Whilst Morgan’s first love is symphony orchestras, he enjoys the versatility of the trombone and frequently joins big bands, jazz ensembles, brass bands and many other commercial ensembles.

Morgan plays a Rath Custom R6 trombone with unlacquered red brass bell, bronze slide and nickel 41A lead pipe. 

He also uses an R100 for big band and jazz work, and owns a Rath R400.