*
banner

Ratby players enjoy Wessex break

There was a superb week of music making on the recent Wessex Band Summer School — especially enjoyed by young Ratby Band players.

Ratby Juniors
 

Players from all parts of Leicestershire joined fellow musicians in the Dorset village of Sturminster Newton recently for the annual Wessex Band Summer School.

All ages

Performers of all ages and all abilities have been welcomed to the course for the past 44 years and the 45th year proved no exception.
The course is divided into three bands; a Training Band (brass, woodwind and percussion graded 0-4); A Wind Band (brass, woodwind and percussion graded 5-8), and a Brass Band (brass and percussion graded 5-8).

Over 200 students

Over 200 students enjoyed the hard work and fun from Monday to Friday, before wowing a local audience with a concert on the Saturday evening.

No less than 16 brass players from Ratby Co-operative Beginner, Training, Junior, Mid and Senior Bands attended the course, with percussionist Christopher Richards, who plays with Ratby Co-operative Mid Band, winning the Andrew Pitts Plate, awarded to the student giving the most and getting the most out of the course.

It’s fantastic to see the popularity of the course growing, as well as the progress that the Ratby players make each yearBecky Moss

Popularity

One of the Training Band conductors, Becky Moss told 4BR: "It’s fantastic to see the popularity of the course growing, as well as the progress that the Ratby players make each year.

I want to pass on special congratulations to Chris, who made everyone within the organisation very proud with the improvement in his playing and his dedication to the course."

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Drighlington Band

October 30 • Drighlington Band are looking for the following players for a full compliment: . . - Front Row Cornet . - Euph or Baritone or Trombone (we are flexible!) . - Percussion (Kit or tuned)


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd