On Saturday 25th November, we played at the Co-op in Marple at their celebration day to end their latest fundraising session. Three local charities benefited from the Co-op membership charity scheme and the 1% that they donate from total purchases made. This resulted in a staggering £3,430 that was presented to the band for our new uniforms.

The Marple Band sends a huge thank you to all our supporters who nominated us as their chosen Co-op charity. It is fantastic that a local organisation has made such a  massive contribution.

Along with our sponsors, other generous donations, grants and fundraising events, we have now achieved our target and will be ordering our new uniforms very soon. Thank you all so very much, but especially to Ruth Groves for her immense contribution in coordinating and driving forward all our uniform fundraising.

The Marple Band are sad to announce that Davy Jenkins sadly passed away on Monday 1st May.

Davy joined the band in January on Second Euphonium and his strong qualities helped us to achieve sixth place at the North West Area Blackpool contest. Due to some moves within the band, Davy was due to move onto the trombone, an instrument he had played for many years with Langanvale Band in his native Northern Ireland and more recently with Tintwistle and Whaley Bridge bands.

The Marple band, along with friends from a number of local bands, played at Davy’s funeral. We would all like to thank everyone for their messages of support and we extend our condolences to Davy’s wife Lorraine and all his friends and family here and in Northern Ireland.

The Marple Band is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Curtis as its new Musical Director.

Stephen’s passion for brass bands began during his time at the Abraham Darby School in Telford. This led to him gaining a place on the Band Musicianship course at The University of Salford in 1996, where he studied conducting under Prof. David King and Dr. Roy Newsome.

Shortly after completing his PGCE Stephen became the Musical Director of Wellington (Telford) Brass Band, taking them to the top of the 2nd section. Over five years they gained places at the National Finals on five consecutive occasions, winning the 3rd Section Final in 2008. In 2009, Stephen returned to the North West and became the Musical Director of Flixton Band and has worked with many bands around the country.

The Marple Band is now looking forward to working with Stephen to realise the band’s full potential once again. After several signings of key players around the band, incl. Principal Cornet, Flugelhorn, Soprano Cornet, Principal Baritone, Principal Trombone, Bass Trombone and percussionist, Stephen has many talents at his fingertips and we hope to be featuring amongst the prizes in future contests.

Stephen commented: “I am very excited at the opportunity to be working with the Marple Band who not only have a great history on the contest stage but are also focused on providing excellent musical performances for their local community”.

Beneath rain-soaked gazebos and with soggy pork pies and union flags in hand, the residents of Marple Bridge were determined to celebrate the 90th birthday of our queen.

It had rained for most of the day but the ebbing and flowing community had only mildly dampened spirits whilst being entertained by a DJ and live music from the John Cooper band. Then (thankfully), shortly before 3pm, as if by royal decree, the rain abated, the skies brightened and the Marple Band took to the stage.

The opening piece, The National Anthem, was received to loud cheers and applause as the street party took on a more traditional note. As hot coffee made way for pints and ice creams the crowds grew and the party atmosphere took hold. The audience sang along and danced to strains from Vera Lynn medley, ‘Keep Smiling Through’ (which they were) and well-known crowd-pleasers like The Floral Dance and Lincolnshire Poacher.

Musical Director, Stephen Sutton, invited young children to conduct the band under the gaze of admiring parents and grandparents, each followed by rapturous applause. The party mood continued with rousing film music, patriotic marches and, of course, Singing in the Rain! The well-received concert culminated in scenes reminiscent of Last Night of the Proms with union flags being enthusiastically waved to The Sailor’s Hornpipe, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance.

After receiving many comments of ‘thanks for making the event a true street party’ it was clear the mix of finger food, warm beer, plastic hats, the British spirit and a live traditional brass band was more than a match for the average weather.

It’s that time of year again when many of the Northwest’s brass bands converge on Blackpool for the annual area contest.

The Marple Band is no exception and we are currently working hard on our test piece, Essay for Brass Band, by Edward Gregson. It is a challenging but very musical piece which is open to interpretation so it should be interesting listening for the audience.

Marple Band will be competing in the first section, conducted by our resident MD Sarah Groarke-Booth, who we are delighted to welcome back. First section takes place in the Empress Ballroom on the afternoon of Sunday February 28th at the Blackpool Winter Gardens. The draw takes place at 13:15 so keep an eye on our Facebook page for our draw position. First band plays at 14:30.

We look forward to seeing lots of our supporters at the Winter Gardens on Sunday. It may be wintry outside but there will be lots of hot air inside. Come along and enjoy the competitive atmosphere. Good luck to all the competing bands.