Senior Band – Ratby Cooperative Band Organisation

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”

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”

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 Youth Return to Euro-Disney for the 3rd time

The Ratby Co–operative Youth Band are delighted to confirm they have been invited for the 3rd time to perform on Stage at Euro-disney Paris during the May half term. The Band previously played there in 2007 and 2010 but with many of those players having now progressed through the organisation, the Youth section has many new players who are looking forwardContinue reading “Ratby Youth Return to Euro-Disney for the 3rd time”

Here we go a wassailling….

The twelth night after christmas saw members of the band perform for the Wassail event at the orchard near the band room. The group met up with members of the Ratby Orchard group in the Railway for a rehearsal of songs and lubrication of the larynx then walk to the orchard during which lots of noise is made toContinue reading “Here we go a wassailling….”

Stompers Oompah Again!

The Ratby Stompers were once again out oom-pa-ing their way through the evening at Ratby Sports and Social Club for an Oktoberfest themed evening on Saturday 18th October. Starting off with a respectable set, dressed in all black, the Ratby Stompers (a small group of players from the Senior Band) warmed the audience up withContinue reading “Stompers Oompah Again!”

Celebrate… its Trophy Time!

Friday 26th September saw the Senior Band perform their annual Celebration Concert, this year undertaking an East meets West Programme, carefully constructed by MD Michael Fowles. Our Celebration Concert is also the time of year that we present our band awards, both to Players Player of the year (through secret ballot!) and the Musical DirectorsContinue reading “Celebrate… its Trophy Time!”

Senior Band strength at Spring Festival

The Ratby Cooperative Senior Band recently took part in the Spring Festival Contest at Blackpool on 26th April. The band finished 9th out of 20 competing bands in the Senior Cup section of the contest after being drawn to play 3rd. They performed George Lloyd’s test piece “English Heritage” to a large audience in Blackpool’s WinterContinue reading “Senior Band strength at Spring Festival”