updated Dec 2011
This December, The Marple Band took the opportunity to showcase their new seasonal material during not one but two Christmas concerts. The first of these took place at Woodley Civic Hall on Sunday 11th December at 2pm. The band had been invited back to play after their previous sell-out concert in July to follow in the venue’s longstanding tradition of festive matinée performances previously given by the now defunct BT Band. Marple Band performed a programme that balanced festive favourites (such as When A Child Is Born, Gaudete and the Shakin’ Stevens classic, Merry Christmas Everyone) and traditional carols alongside more challenging repertoire such as Franz Von Suppé’s overture to The Beautiful Galathea. As always, the band was keen to encourage a little audience participation and was pleased to witness some expert schunkling during Schneewalzer!
The following Sunday, The Marple Band continued to spread Christmas cheer with an evening performance at Marple Conservative Club. Delivering a similar programme to the previous concert, the band played to an appreciative crowd of friends and family. Solos at both venues were provided by Jim Murray (Principal Cornet), Mark Singleton on Trombone, Solo Euphonium player, Matt Hill (later joined by Rachael Ward on Flugelhorn for a duet version of All I Ask Of You from Phantom Of The Opera), and Solo Horn player, Dave Caine, who gave a rendition of In The Bleak Midwinter arranged by the band’s very own Peter Hargreaves. Dave Jones (2nd Trombone) also dusted off his now renowned yodelling skills, usually only restricted to Bierkeller performances!
Taking up the baton at both these concerts was Fairey (Geneva) Band’s Solo Trombone, Les Webb, who the band has very much enjoyed working with over the Christmas period. Armed with his bright blue plastic trombone (that’s a “pBone” to those in the know), Les also got in on the solo act and performed his own unaccompanied version of Tis The Season To Be Jolly to demonstrate the instrument to the curious audience.
If you managed to miss The Marple Band at any of these concerts, you can catch them playing carols in Marple Precinct on Christmas Eve. A number of band members will also be performing at the Slow Melody Contest at The Ring O’Bells pub on Boxing Day at 4pm.
Brass, Bier And Burnt Bratwursts!
updated Nov 2011
As the night drew to a close, the audience’s deafening calls for an encore were answered as the band played a stirring version of Aces High.
VP Performance Hits the High Notes
updated Oct 2011
Just three weeks after the Bandstand concert, The Marple Band returned to Cheadle and Marple 6th Form College (this time without their local counterparts, Hawk Green Band) to perform a challenging programme for the members of the Vice Presidents association.
Amongst the new pieces played were Suppé’s overture, The Beautiful Galathea, and A Disney Fantasy by the late Goff Richards. The band’s newest member and ex-RAF musician, Matthew Hill, showcased his talents with a fantastic performance of the technically demanding euphonium solo, Napoli, which he played from memory. Other soloists on the night included Principal Cornet, Jim Murray, and Rachael Ward on Flugelhorn. The Trombone Section (Mark Singleton, Dave Jones and Colin Ingham) also gave a rousing performance of the trio, Frolic For Trombones.
As ever, the VPs proved to be a very appreciative audience and a good night was had by all. The band are now heading back into the rehearsal room to prepare a brand new Christmas programme for their busy round of engagements over the festive period – hope to see you there! (Woodley Civic Hall, Sunday 11th Dec at 2pm and the following week at Marple Con Club, 18th Dec starting this time at 8pm).
Brighouse Soloist supports Joint Venture
updated Oct 2011
The first half of the concert featured The Marple Band who opened with French Military March. A varied programme followed which included a performance of John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, an accomplished cornet solo from Caroline Andrews and the Salvation Army favourite, Marching Onward. The band were also pleased to welcome guest soloist and former Marple Band member, Lucy Murphy (who now plays for Brighouse and Rastrick), to perform the flugelhorn solo, Marianne. The first half of the evening drew to a close with a speech from local councillor, Sue Ingham, on the origins and progression of the Bandroom project. During the interval, the audience were invited to watch a short film detailing the work which has been undertaken so far.
Hawk Green Band performed the second set of the evening which included another stunning Flugel solo from Lucy Murphy entitled Eyes Of A Child and a performance of Goff Richards’ test piece, Hollywood, which the band have been rehearsing for the Fleetwood contest on Sunday 2nd October.
A combination of hot studio lights, heavy band uniforms and an unseasonal heat wave meant that the bands were definitely feeling the heat and after putting it to an audience vote, it was decided that the members of Hawk Green could complete their performance without wearing their jackets!
The two bands joined forces at the end of the night to perform a foot tapping, flag waving Pomp & Circumstance and then the grand finale featuring the Bandroom campaign’s theme song, Shine.
All Hail for the Ale!
updated Sept 2011
The 8th day of the Marple Festival saw a number of Marple Band members donning their lederhosen at Marple Cricket Club to perform as the Bierkeller Band for the Real Ale Festival. Fronted by the band’s very own Dave Jones (Trombone) as his alter ego, Herbert Von Bismark, they performed an extensive programme of traditional bierkeller music including Baden Bei Wien, Gruss Aus Innsbruck and Beer Barrel Polka to name a few.
The enthusiastic crowd welcomed the audience participation as they raised their glasses during several rousing choruses of the drinking song, Ein Prosit, during each of the band’s sets. Two volunteers tried their hand at yodelling during She Taught Me How To Yodel whilst three others showed off their musical skills on the watering can, the garden hose and trombone in The Music Man.
Not even the temporary power cut which plunged the marquee into complete darkness could dampen the spirits as principal Cornet, Caroline Andrews, lead the band in an impromptu performance of The Floral Dance!
After some more drunken schunkling, the evening drew to a close with stirring performances of The Dambusters and Aces High.
Rain Soaked Performance Shines On
updated Sept 2011
At the start of the second set, the band lifted the spirits of the festival goers during a torrential downpour with a tongue-in-cheek performance of Singin’ In The Rain! Despite the bad weather, the crowds remained to listen to the rest of the programme. It seemed fitting that the sun came out just as the band played their final piece: Shine.
Charity Quiz Nights in aid of the Bandroom Fund
updated Sept 2011
Come and join the fun while helping to raise the bandroom fund.
Prizes for Pub Performances
updated Aug 2011
On Sunday 21st August, Besses o’ th’ Barn performed at the final concert of the Summer Brass Band series at the Ring o’ Bells pub in Marple. Many bands had appeared there over the last three months including the All Star Brass whose performance raised over £600 for charity.
However, a secret adjudicator had been in the audience’s midst throughout the concerts and had been charged with selecting which of the bands had given the best performances based on musicality and entertainment. The title of ‘Most Musical Performance’, went to the Fairey (Geneva) Band whilst The Marple Band were awarded ‘Most Entertaining Performance’. Each of the two bands received a glass trophy and £100 prize money (contributed by the pub’s landlord, Mark Singleton, and a generous local resident).
Gary Parker (Faireys) and Caroline Andrews (Marple) were on hand to collect the prizes on behalf of their respective bands.
Picture shows Caroline Andrews and Rachael Ward with Prize.
Marple Wows Woodley
updated Aug 2011
The Marple Band played to a near capacity crowd at Woodley Civic Hall on Sunday 31st July.
It had been many years since The Marple Band had performed at this venue but now with a full band, we were well prepared to do so again. The concert was a great success with the audience members, made up of family, friends and local people from the Woodley area. Caroline Andrews was the Principal on the night, playing the cornet solo, 'The Watermill'. Other soloists were Rachael Ward (Flugelhorn) and Frank Wood (Euphonium). Two trios were performed by Caroline Andrews, Ian Moffett and Hayley Tuite on cornet followed by the Trombones (Mark Singleton, Dave Jones and Colin Ingham).
It's a good job the band has recently purchased some new arrangements of Christmas music as the Civic Hall were so impressed, they have asked us to come back and play a Christmas Concert which we are very much looking forward to!
Caine Is Able
updated July 2011
Last Sunday (3rd July), the band performed to a capacity crowd at the Ring o' Bells pub in Marple. Our first summer concert was conducted by our very own Solo Horn player, David Caine, as the band's regular conductor, Bob Wyatt, had only just returned from holiday. Amongst the music played, was a Trombone trio, TWO cornet trios, a cornet solo and a Euphonium solo. Half way through the second half, things came to a halt as an audience member fainted and an ambulance was called. We're not sure whether it was the heat or just sheer amazement at the speed we played 'Grand March From Aida'!
Marching Onwards
updated July 2011
Up, Up and Away!
updated July 2011
Since it was first held in 1962, the modern Marple Carnival has been a major event in the local calendar. The Marple Carnival Committee work hard each year to make sure the Carnival is a great success. Every year, the committee choose a theme for the fancy dress parade - this year's being 'UP UP AND AWAY!'. That gave plenty of scope for the floats and costumes. The massed bands of Marple (The Marple Band and Hawk Green Band) combined to lead the way through the crowds on that sunny Saturday afternoon.
Concerts in July
updated June 2011
The band are appearing twice in July. Once at the Ring O’ Bells pub in Marple on Sunday 3rd July. This is a free concert starting at 3pm. There will be a raffle and collection. The pub and restaurant is situated alongside Bridge No. 2 on the historic Macclesfield Canal in Marple. Address is 130 Church Lane, Marple
The other is an evening concert at Woodley Civic Hall, Hyde Road, Woodley on Sunday 31st July. Tickets priced at only £4. Starts at 8pm. Tickets available from the Civic Hall, members of the band or by contacting the band’s secretary using the contact form here.
Shine On Brass
updated June 2011
The ‘Let it shine’ appeal has been formed to help raise funds towards a new home for the brass bands of Marple and to bring a youth band back to the town. In addition, part of the funds will be allocated to the charity ‘Help For Heroes’.
The concert, conducted by Hawk Greens Neil Hewson was also supported by the Mayor of Stockport who released hundreds of ‘Charlie’s Bandroom Dream’ balloons up into the air. Once the rain died down the audience swelled in numbers and was joined by our MP Andrew Stunell.
News update
updated April 2011
New Horizon Canal Boat - event went well with some 200 or so people turning up including the Mayor of Stockport Councillor Hazel Lees. The event celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the commissioning of the boat by HRH The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Marple Band played at the event 30 years ago! Some good photos on this link including one of the band.
Good programme of music including solos by Jim Murray (Macushla); Rachael Ward (Georgia on My Mind); Frank Wood (Nessun Dorma); the cornet trio (Trumpets Wild) played by Caroline Andrews, Ian Moffett and Jim Leggatt. Trombone Trio - (76 Trombones) - Mark Singleton, Dave Jones and Colin Ingham.
The band will be back at the school (along with Hawk Green Band) on 30th September for its BANDSTAND concerts as part of the Marple Festival. (We follow Black Dyke but we don't need to mention them)
Over the Edge?
updated April 2011
At the Area Committee meeting, the local councillors agreed to grant us outline planning permission for two apartments. We expect to get formal notification within 14 days then we just have to find a buyer! The sale will be handled by Gascoigne Halman in Marple Bridge. If we can sell this plot, our whole project can be advanced by many months.
Funds raised on Open Day
updated April 2011
The OPEN DAY at the Park Keeper’s Cottage, last Saturday raised around £370. A considerable number of interested members of the public had a look around our plans to turn it into a headquarters and rehearsal room for The Brass Bands of Marple. Very promising but still quite a way to go to get the money for the rehearsal room extension itself. Further reading about the project can be found here.
Open Day at the Park Keeper’s Cottage
updated March 2011
The Brass Bands of Marple have secured a 99 year lease at a peppercorn rent on the Park Keeper’s Cottage in Marple Memorial Park.
Starting from 1st April 2011, planning permission to renovate and extend the building has been granted. Why not come along to our OPEN DAY at the Park Keeper’s Cottage, on Saturday 9th April between 10am and 3pm. Come and see what the cottage is like now and have a look at our plans to turn it into a headquarters and rehearsal room for The Brass Bands of Marple.
First concert at Forces Club
updated March 2011
The first concert of the year went well on Sunday 27th March 2011 at the Social and Forces Club in Marple. Playing to an audience made up of friends and family the band raised funds just short of £200. Not bad considering the final of ‘Dancing on Ice’ was on (and who would want to miss that!).
A well diverse programme was chosen by Bob Wyatt the band’s musical director which featured Caroline Andrews (principal on the night) then joined by Ian Moffett and Jimmy Leggat for the Trio feature, Rachael Ward - Flugel, Frank Wood - Solo Euphonium and the Trombone section of Colin Ingham, Dave Jones and Solo trombone player Mark Singleton.
Picture shows the Trombones in Action.
Welsh speaking Bury Fusilier leaves the ranks
updated March 2011
Unfortunately Martin has had to hand his notice in due to a shift in his workload. He wished the band well and was apologetic in this unexpected move he had to make, hoping to return at some point in the near future.
Welsh speaking Bury Fusilier joins the ranks
updated February 2011
The Band would like to welcome Martin Howarth on Eb Soprano. After his first rehearsal Martin said “I am really pleased to be joining Marple Band on soprano. It’s a rare treat to be able to play with a band of such high standard without the usual baggage of contesting! First impressions are of a great bunch of people with a real desire to create top quality music. Just what I need to try and get my playing somewhere near the standard it used to be!” The Band welcomes you, Martin!
Profile can be found here.
Letter of Thanks
updated January 2011
The Band now have a certificate of thanks from the Children's Adventure Farm Trust and a letter from Help for Heroes.
The proceeds of our Remembrance Sunday Charity Concert were donated to them.
Welcome new players
updated January 2011
The Band would like to welcome these new players: John Richardson (E flat bass); Mark Gregory (Drum Kit); Jeremy Ireland (Percussion); Katherine Rattigan (Cornet); Sean Murphy (1st Horn). All have joined the band over the last few weeks.
