DAVE TOWNSEND is the band's director and founder. He is a well-known singer and instrumentalist, and one of the leading researchers in west gallery and village band music. As arranger and composer, he has provided music for film, television, radio and theatre, and for numerous recording projects. With The Mellstock Band he plays concertina and fiddle, and sings.
TIM HILL is an inventive wind player and composer whose background performing on clarinet, flute, saxophone and shawm embraces early music, free improvisation, theatrical performance art and mainstream jazz. Projects have included Pandaemonium, Noise Eating Monsters and Street Band workshops. With The Mellstock Band he plays early & modern clarinets, flute and (occasionally) saxophone, and sings.
PHIL HUMPHRIES studied at Trinity College, London, and embarked on a career as a big-band trombonist with The Andy Ross Orchestra. After returning to his native Dorset, he became involved in early music, and is now one of the country's leading serpent players. He is a member of The London Serpent Trio and music-hall duo The Lost Chord, and guests regularly with various orchestras. With The Mellstock Band he plays serpent, ophicleide and trombone, and sings.
CHARLES SPICER studied at the Guildhall School and has worked widely as an actor and musician, including productions at the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He contributes regularly to world music projects for TAPS and is a member of The Oxford Waits. With The Mellstock Band he plays early & modern oboes, cor anglais and flute, and sings.