*
banner

Purkiss joins Ratby team

David Purkiss has been appointed as the new Associate Musical Director at Ratby Co-operative Band.

Dave Purkiss
  Dave Purkiss now joins the musical team at Ratby Co-operative team

The Ratby Co-operative Band has announced the appointment of David Purkiss as their new Associate Musical Director.

The Director of Music at Friary School in Lichfield will work alongside Professional MD Mareika Gray and the team of conductors and band trainers at Ratby.

Having previously played with the band it's hoped that his extensive performance and conducting experiences will be of huge benefit to the organisation.

Background

David has also been Musical Director at a number of top flight bands including Thoresby Colliery and most recently Staffordshire, whilst his musical background with the Salvation Army, including his time as a member of the International Staff Band, continues to shape and inspire his musical career.

We are delighted that David has accepted this position with our senior band and look forward to working with him and MareikaRatby Chairman Steve Plant

Delighted

Ratby Chairman Steve Plant told 4BR: "We are delighted that David has accepted this position with our senior band and look forward to working with him and Mareika. We would also like to extend our thanks to all who expressed interest in this position."

They added: "We now look forward to a fresh contesting season following a very successful 12 years under Michael Fowles."

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    


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Glyn

Williams solo lead on Milestone Tour

November 27 • Glyn Williams had to be on solo form as part of the latest leg of the Milestone Tour to the South West of England.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • 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?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd