*
banner

New MD at Harrogate

Craig Ratcliffe is the new MD at Harrogate Band.

Harrogate
 

Craig Ratcliffe has been appointed as the new Musical Director of the Harrogate Band.

Extensive search

4BR has been informed that his appointment comes after an extensive search for the right person who can develop and inspire the band and demonstrate passion and intelligence in the role.

Dream come true

Craig told 4BR: "This is a dream come true for me, I am absolutely delighted to be doing this job. In the short term I want to put together a winning performance for the Areas whilst in the medium to long term I want to build an innovative and forward thinking band."

Craig, 27, is a teacher of Music and Music technology at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate and played euphonium for Yorkshire Co-operative and Pennine Brass whilst studying music at Huddersfield University.

It’s a great appointment because Craig is passionate about the band is a very skilful, experienced and knowledgeable Musical DirectorChairman, Keith Graham

Experience

For the past 4 years, he has been the principal euphonium player and more recently, the Assistant Musical Director. His appointment comes after spending 6 successful years with the Tewit Youth Band as Musical Director.

Great appointment

Harrogate’s Chairman, Keith Graham, added: "It’s a great appointment because Craig is passionate about the band is a very skilful, experienced and knowledgeable Musical Director."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd