Melanie Ornsby

Melanie was born in Hampshire and started playing the euphonium at the age of 7, joining the Hampshire County Youth Bands. At the age of 14, her family moved to the North East of England where she continued her playing with Yarm & District Brass Band. At the age of 18, Melanie moved away to study - firstly studying for her music degree at Birmingham Conservatoire where she was taught by Steven Mead, and then Birmingham University to undertake her teacher training.

When Melanie started her teaching career as a primary school teacher, she moved to North Lincolnshire and this was when she first joined EYMS on Solo Euphonium in January 1998. She enjoyed 7 years on Solo Euphonium, but left in 2004 when she became pregnant with her daughter. Melanie returned to the band in 2011 on 2nd euphonium till 2013 and then as the band’s Solo Baritone player in 2016. When the opportunity arose in 2018 to become the band’s Solo Euphonium again, Mel excitedly took up the position once again.

Melanie is currently enjoying her time playing Solo Euphonium and has won the Maurice Metcalf Memorial Trophy for ‘Best Euphonium Player’ at the North of England Regional Championships in 2019, 2020 and 2023.