kirkturner

Oompah Oompah

Another week, and the Ratby Co-operative Band Autumn season rolls on…on 30th September it was the turn of the Ratby Oompah Band to give their annual performance at Ratby Sports Club under the leadership of guest musical director Stan Van de Lager (actually soprano cornet player Steve Alexander all the way from the foothills ofContinue reading “Oompah Oompah”

The Mystery is Solved…

On September 23rd the Ratby Co-operative Band got together at Braunstone Civic Centre for the latest concert in their Autumn season – and on this occasion, when they met, it was murder! An evening of entertainment masterminded by the bands Flugel Horn player Kirk Turner, going by the title of “Murder at the Casino” foundContinue reading “The Mystery is Solved…”

Autumn Concert Season

The Ratby Senior Band have kicked off their Autumn concert season with their ‘Brass in Concert’ evening at St Mary’s Church in Lutterworth, with Musical Director Dave Purkiss. The band launched a brand new programme of classics, film music and modern classics with featured soloists, duettists and even the bass section on their feet. TheContinue reading “Autumn Concert Season”

And the band played on…

And the band played on to Quartet Bronze victory. On Sunday 2nd April, members of the Junior band took part in the Leicestershire Brass Band Association Solo and Quartet competition held at Loughbrough Endowed Schools. Over 100 competitors took part in the annual event performing a variety of solos, air-varies, duets and quartets. Members ofContinue reading “And the band played on…”

May the Fourth be with you

Both Ratby Senior and Ratby Mid band were pleased with their respective ‘fourth’ places at this year’s Midlands Regional contest. Competing in the Championship Section at Bedworth Civic Hall, the Senior Band directed by Mareika Gray performed Herbert Howell’s epic ‘Pageantry’ to adjudicators Philip Harper and Leigh Baker, competing in a very tough field andContinue reading “May the Fourth be with you”

New Mid Band Conductor

Ratby Band are very pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff Wood as the new MidBand Conductor who jumped straight into the Hot Seat leading the band to the area contest in March. Geoff has been with the Band a number of years and we wish him the best of luck taking the band forward.Continue reading “New Mid Band Conductor”

Ratby Welcomes David Purkiss

The Ratby Co-operative Band are pleased to announce that David Purkiss has been appointed as their new Associate Musical Director, working alongside Professional MD Mareika Gray, and the team of conductors and band trainers at Ratby. Having worked with the band previously in a playing capacity, David brings a wealth of performance and conducting experiencesContinue reading “Ratby Welcomes David Purkiss”

Parks and Recreation

Sunday 4th September seemed to be the day for hearing a Ratby band in your local park. Both senior and mid bands were out and about playing to the good folk of Barwell and Knighton in their local recreational parks. The sun managed to sneak through the clouds and the rain held off to helpContinue reading “Parks and Recreation”

Ratby Welcomes Mareika Gray

The Ratby Co-operative Band have announced that they have appointed Mareika Gray as their Professional Musical Director as part of a new musical structure within the organisation. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDY SOLUTIONS LTD In her new role Mareika will provide musical leadership and creative direction for the whole of the Ratby Co-operative Band organisation andContinue reading “Ratby Welcomes Mareika Gray”

200 years of banding!

At the recent organisation Summer Concert, four members of the band were presented with special awards for their services to brass banding. 50 (yes that is fifty!) years’ service awards were presented to Greg Webber, Sheralyn Newman, Geoff Newman and Lynne Plant. Mick Veasey from the Leicestershire Brass Band Association was there to present theContinue reading “200 years of banding!”