*
banner

Fantastic return for Kirkbymoorside

Thanks to plenty of hard work and dedication, they have been lining up to get back to playing with Kirkbymoorside Town Band after their Covid-19 break.

Kirkbymoorside
  The bands are back and spaced out to ensure they can all play!

Kirkbymoorside Town Band has made its long-awaited return to community music making after a 16-month long hiatus.

The last time its senior band performed was in March 2020 just days after the North of England Regional Championships. The implications of Covid-19 soon meant that the organisation was unable to offer the opportunity for its five bands to rehearse — with 120 players of all ages affected.

Proud history

Looking back through the band's proud history, not even the Boer, First and Second World Wars stopped the band in its tracks, but Covid-19 did.

However, thanks to the tremendous work of players and supporters, the band moved its activities on-line and started a vibrant social media presence of practice, lessons, quizzes, competitions and masterclasses.

However, those days are now also being consigned to history as its Beginner, Learner, Training, Community and Senior Bands have now returned to the bandroom and 'live' rehearsals with workable Covid protocols in place.

No worries!

Community Band conductor, Emma Smailes told 4BR: "As a group we were the ones that had to endure the longest break, so I was worried the impact this might have on attendances when we returned.

I shouldn't have though! I arrived 20 minutes early and already there was a socially distanced queue outside waiting for me. I could have cried!"

Although the organisation lost a few members, the collective response has meant the return has given everyone a huge boost of confidence.

Emma added: "Part of that was down to our 'Summer School' initiative, which was the brainchild of our Musical Director Sarah Woodward and our Training Band Leader Jeanette Kendall.

Kirkbymoorside is a small rural community in North Yorkshire with a big heart and a brilliant band organisation. And we are all so proud to be back playing music together againEmma Smailes

Huge success

It has been a huge success. The offer of a free instrument and tuition with no obligation to join has seen the bandhall filled with 49 new players — from soprano to Eb tuba! 15 are returning players and 34 are brand new.

It's been brilliant. After such a long time with no sound of brass, we are now filling the air.

Kirkbymoorside is a small rural community in North Yorkshire with a big heart and a brilliant band organisation. And we are all so proud to be back playing music together again."

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd