Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band


Which year would you like to see? *2021* *2020* *2019* *2018* *2017* *2016* *2015* *2014* *2013* *2012* *2011*
Carols Round The Tree - 2021 Kirkbymoorside. Kirkbymoorside CP School and Kirkby Band players
The band played a short concert at Lingmoor Farm for the first time since Covid and it was a great pleasure to play for James, his family and guests. Very well done to all the soloists and a big thank you to Bill Scott for his skilled piano accompaniment. Thank you all for your hospitality and all your kind donations.
STRIKE UP THE BAND Band Concert - 2nd Oct 2021. Well we have 'struck up the band', and it's so great to be back.
What a relief to be back on stage in the James Holt Concert Hall. We had a great concert of well chosen pieces, played to a restricted numbers audience who sat round tables to keep us all suitably spaced out. We had some wonderful comments from the audience. and we were happy with our playing after all the problems of the last 18 months and we now look forward to all the exciting things to come. Thank's for the pic Net
Alex, one of our front row cornets has married Clwyd Hughes on Saturday 4th September 2021 at Kirkbymoorside Church. The band wish them all the best and good luck for the future.	*5th September 2021 - Back in the Old Band Room* We are finally back in our old rehearsal room at the band room. We have extractor fans pulling the air out and we are as safe as we need to be.

Covid 19

2020 Back to Top

Hello
Here’s a little recording that the band have put together over the last couple of weeks.
Obviously at the moment we can’t get together to rehearse, so the Senior Band have all 
done a home recorded their parts for the hymn tune Farndale. Once they were happy with their
recording they sent them on to our Band Manager Philip, who has edited all the parts together
to make a complete video of the music.
We’re really pleased with the final product and we hope that it brings you a little joy during 
these difficult times. Stay safe and let’s look forward to a time when we can actually perform
a live concert in front of you, our loyal supporters. 
Please enjoy Farndale by Harold Dobson.

All the best
Sarah Woodward  (Band Master).

A Very Kirkby Christmas. Featuring Kirkby CP School, All Saints' Church Choir, Mooland Voices, Revd Mark Brosnan and Kirkby Town Band Click Here

The James Holt Concert Hall

Regional Championships 2020

Sat 14th March - Gala Theatre, Durham

We will always remember our trip to the finals this year for the worries about the C Virus. But we did practice very hard and were rewarded with a third place, which we were OK with. Every one played well and the percussion section won 'Best Percussion'. We will have to wait and see what happens but let's hope we can continue banding during the next month or two?..

2019 Back to Top

Christmas Concert 2019...
What a night with a full house and no seats left in the James Holt Concert Hall Great fun was had by all and we hope you enjoyed our second half fun and games with all the band trying to outdo each other in our fancy dress outfits. The prize winners were Grace Walker, John Sails, Jim Butler, John Woodward, Phil Woodward, John Barrett, Annabel Kent and Jeanette Kendall.
Next year will still be free to all but it will be ticket only. Keep an eye open for details of where to get tickets later in 2020.. Merry Christmas..

Help the Band by donating to,

We have two CD's
Click Here for more info

OUR NEW CONCERT HALL
Sunday 22nd September Thank's for coming to our Concert Hall opening. It was great to see so many of you there. We will have a full report here soon To see the details of the build and opening evening
Click Here

What are our Junior and Training bands are up to

We are proud to have 5 training bands which range from children and adults playing their first few notes to very competent grade 8 students. We have over 100 members in these groups and offer tuition, loan instruments and music free of charge.
.
Click Here

George Gold - London to Kirkbymoorside ride for the new Band Hall
After only a thirty year hiatus, I dusted off my trumpet and starting playing for the Community section of the Kirkbymoorside Town Band and I absolutely love it. It's amazing that a town the size of Kirkbymoorside can field the number of players they have. Travelling from North Yorkshire to London to see friends and family and for work over many years has often made me wonder about doing the journey on a bike, though perhaps not on the A1... Helping raise funds to finish the new band room provides an excellent excuse to finally do it. I will set off from King's Cross Station on Saturday 22nd June and will aim to arrive back in Kirkbymoorside the following day. The total distance will be roughly 230 miles and because I’m travelling from south to north, it will be entirely uphill! Well my target was 500 but by the time I reached the band room, the total had reached 1654.00.Well done George and THANK'S. A few more photos - Click here

O2 Arena

Three of the band’s younger players, Charlie Flintoft, Ella Smailes, both aged 11, and Theo Flintoft, 10, travelled to London to scale the 02 Arena. The trio braved extremely harsh winds and rain to reach the top of the 100 metre high diameter structure. Leading the expedition they reached the top in just under 25 minutes In total the team, who play in the beginner, learner and training bands have raised more than £350 for the new band hall.

Easingwold March and Hymn Contest 1st June 2019
We thought we played OK, unfortunately the adjudicator did not agree. Never mind bring on next year. The marching adjudicator on the other hand, thought we were great and '1st on the march' was the prize. The training band played very well too and received a great ovation. Jeanette collecting the deportment shield Click here to see a video of the Training Band.

Yorkshire Concert Sunday 19th May 2019
Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall What a great night of all things YORKSHIRE, Gods own county. Thank's for all the support for the band and we hope you enjoyed the trip around our wonderful county. A very very special thank's to Yorkshires own 'ADAM COLLIER' who had us all in stitches between the tunes. Don't forget phone calls to the almighty are charged at a local rate in any church in Yorkshire. See you at the next concert.

10k Run - Sunday 5th May 20019 Joe Sails and Matthew Baildon

Joe and Matt ran in the 10k run to raise cash, over £1000, for the new Band Hall. The band would like to thank them both for their time and and effort, especially Joe who ran with a bass strapped to his back. We played for most of the run and enjoyed the day in spite of the cold wind. Some of the competitors were actually sweating, Click the image for a bigger one

Saturday, March 16th, 2019 - Gala Theatre, Durham 2019 North of England Regional Championships

We finished in third place. We are disappointed not to be going to the finals but it was not a bad result.

Sunday, March 3, 2019 Kirkby Memorial Hall
A good sized audience attended our first run through of this years Regional Test Piece, 'Symphony of Marches'. We felt it was Ok with six more practices, and we hope you all liked it. We were joined by our Training Band, Shining Brass & Community Band. They all played so well and were a credit to our tutors, thank's to all of them.

2018 Back to Top

Band Concert Hall in Manor Vale Lane October 2018 the band was finally able to get started with its ambitious plan to build a Concert Hall CLICK HERE

Training Bands Christmas Concert

All our five training bands played at All Saints Church on the 16th Dec 2018. What a concert it was with excellent playing from them all. Proud parents listened to the kids prove what a talented group they are. We can only look forward to a repeat concert next year. Photos Click Here

Chick HERE for the rehearsal time for our six bands .The band has an established noise policy Click Here

THE LAST POST - KIRKBYMOORSIDE 11-11-2018

Click Here to view a report...

Click Here for a video.....

Halloween Concert 2018
Videos and Photos of the event - Click Here

When there's something strange in the neighbourhood, who ya gonna call? - Kirkbyband of course.
Sunday 28th October saw a spooktacular concert by all 6 of the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band. Attendees were treated to concerts by the Beginner and Learner Bands, The Community Band, Shining Brass, the Training Band and the Senior Band.
Repertoire included Baba Yaga, Batman, Dance Macabre, Pirates of the Caribbean, Adams Family, and Star Wars.
As well as dazzling music each band was fully dressed up for Halloween, featuring everything from mummies to skeletons, ghost pirates and wizards!
The Finale saw over 100 musicians playing Ghostbusters on stage together. A huge thank you to all involved and to Ryedale School for hosting us.

BOLSOVER ENTERTAINMENTS CONTEST 2018
On September 30th the band made the Journey to the Bolsover Brass Festival Contest, held at Heritage High School in Clowne. Playing a programme cleverly designed by their MD Sarah Woodward on the theme of Light and Dark, the band featured 3 new players to their contesting ranks, Chris Moxon, Pip Williamson and Elizabeth Clements. The concert started with Paradisi Gloria from Karl Jenkins Stabat Mater suite for brass band. The programme moved to feature their chosen soloist of the day, Ben Smailes playing Rodney Newton’s Euphonium solo Ceilidh. Ben gave a confident performance that was praised by the audience and adjudicator alike, really transporting them to the highlands of Scotland. Sarah’s programme then moved to what resulted in being the star of the show, Peter Graham’s Candle of the Lord. A truly mesmerising performance, the adjudicator noted the band had achieved a wonderful depth of sound. Truly anyone in the audience would have been blown away by the true brass band sound, with a musicality that was moving. Of particular note were the cornet team, lead by Principal Cornetist Jeanette Kendall. Having recently being named outstanding instrumentalist at the Easingwold March and Hymn Contest, Jeanette’s mid piece solo was wonderful, praised by adjudicator Roger Webster as the best sound he had hear in a very long time. Candle of the Lord The band moved into the “hypnotic” Indian Daybreak, capturing Philip Harpers atmospheric piece perfectly. Ending the concert with a rip roaring rendition of Good Morning, where the band mastered the technical content well, it was fair to say that the audience and adjudicator had been treated to a truly entertaining evening. The adjudicators remarks were extremely encouraging and coming tenth placed the band in a good position to build on the positives for 2019. Em.

Ryedale Festival Garden Party

With rain forecast the concert was played inside the marquee and to a nearly full house, the audience, we think, enjoyed the concert. With a varied rogramme including a quartet from four of our youngest players, a visit to the vintage cinema and a solo from our principal cornet player we hope you all enjoyed it.....

Jeanette and her Juniors Beat off the Competition!

Saturday 2nd June saw our return to the Easingwold March and Hymn Competition. Run by the local Lyons for the Yorkshire and Humber Brass Band Association. The competition saw bands from across Yorkshire competing for prizes including deportment, best March, and Best Hymn. The Adjudicator John Roberts was incredibly impressed with the talent on show and the local Youngsters from the Kirkbymoorside Junior Band really dazzled with their marching, beating of all the adult competition and winning the deportment prize for the best marching on the day.
Whilst the Senior Band are well seasoned competitors, representing the town and country in competitions across the country, this was the first such competition for the Junior Band who had to march through torrential rain to a packed crowd. Jeanette Kendall their conductor was righlty proud of their achievements: “We have been practicing marching for a few months now, it is really difficult to play and march in time and in straight lines and in torrential rain! I couldn’t be prouder of the youngsters, they played so well and held their nerve” Jeanette herself is the principal cornet of the Kirkbymoorside Senior Band and won the coveted “Outstanding Instrumentalist Award” for her virtuoso playing on the cornet. The senior band took third place overall and look forward to next year and the challenge of trying to beat our oun junior band, it's going to be a hard task ......

Tactor & 10K Run in Kirkby. It was a sunny day and we all enjoyed playing yet again for these two great events in our home town of Kirkbymoorside..
Click Here for a YouTube Video

Richard Wright our Rep player, works for Smith Watkins. He makes, by hand, Fanfare Trumpets for the miliary. Take a look at the videos. We are proud to say he plays in our band. For a video, Click Here

Scarborough Citadel Concert - Fri 20th April

We had a great concert at the Citadel in Scarborough. We were joined by The Staxton Singers who entertained with songs from the shows and great renditions of classical pieces from Verdi and others. Our juniors played Choral and Rockout in a special feature and did themselves proud.

We were delighted to receive a wonderful framed picture of some of the work that has been completed in the last year at the Citadel.

A good collection will be used in the usual good causes.

The picture left is Lieutenant Richard Weston presenting the framed photo to our Musical Director, Sarah Woodward.

2018 Regionals - Gala Theatre, Durham
We were delighted to attend and represent the town of Kirkbymoorside at the North of England Brass Band Championships on the 18th March. The test piece Kenneth Norbury's Odyssey, despite being technically difficult, was well liked by all the players round the stand. This was the first contest for both our Conductor Sarah and all bar one of our Principal Players. As well as internal promotions to principal seats it was also the first ever contest for some of our young players too and they played outstandingly.
The band were delighted with the performance and were encouraged by the adjudicators remarks. A great review by Steve Jack 4barsrest.com was a great record and appraisal of the day: "After travelling through the snow Kirkbymoorside show their intent with a restrained opening that suits their young band. Sarah Woodward gives the music time and space directing on her debut. Her dad John would be proud of her — it's cultured stuff this. There are a few slips here and there, but on the whole it's neatly portrayed and cohesive. Middle movement may just lack a little of the quiet reflection of others but it was delivered with confidence. The finale may not have the strength and power either, but it has enough about it for a strong, triumphant close"
Of course those who know the band will smile at John being called her dad, but needless to say John her father in law was exceptionally proud!
Emma Smailes (Solo Horn) "The band would like to express their thanks to Sarah for all the hard work and passion she has put into the months of rehearsals leading up to the contest. We could not be prouder than to have sat on the stage under her direction."
Andrew Willamson, local resident and band parent summed up the pride of Kirkbymoorside Town in their band and Sarah when he tweeted "Home Players playing with passion and pride! Who could ask for more, well done Kirkbymoorside"

Radio York's Report March 2018
Will the royals be blowing North Yorkshire's trumpets.
SMITH WATKINS
Our rep player Richard Wright, featured in video, works with Richard Smith who makes the Smith Watkins Fanfare Trumpets.
Click here to see the YouTube video

Training Bands Christmas Concert
Photos & YouTube Videos Click Here
Report Click Here

2017 Senior Christmas Concert
Presentations. Click Here
Report Click Here

2017 Back to Top

Brass & Voices

Thank's to all that came to see Harmonia Choir and Kirkbymoorside Band on the at St Peters Church in Norton. Judging by your reaction you enjoyed it and we hope to see you again at one of our Concerts. You can click here to see Harmonia's web site, to check out where they are singing in the future.

A few photos from Lastingham 2017

Click Here
Photos : Robin Pearson

Scarborough Citadel Concert

Scarborough Salvation Army Facebook Page

CONCERT AT STOCKTON ON FOREST
Our new Musical Director Sarah Woodward delivered her inaugural concert on 17th June 2017. Having only had the baton for a few months Sarah delivered a programme that was a tour de force. The audience were treated on a journey through brass, covering many continents, countries and styles of brass music. Highlights of the evening were of course the solo performances, of note Bass Trombonist Jim Butlers's 'Mah Na Man Na', with choreographed interruptions from our new sop player John Sails the performance was further augmented, to everyone's delight, by the streams of giggles from our younger audience members in the front row.
There was also some new music on show that it was obvious the band had enjoyed rehearsing and this was rewarded when it was clear that the audience loved them too. The en-core, Show Me The Way To Go Home with Raucous trombones was only topped by the 2nd encore, Mnozil Brass's Florentiner Marsch which was the perfect mix of technical playing, humour and musicality.
It was with sadness that this was the last concert of our 4th Man Down Joe Sails, but the band wish him and Laura all the very best in their move to Leeds and no doubt we will see him soon.

Kirkbymoorside Town
Brass Band
1992 – 2017
John Woodward
Click Here

Kirkby Training Section Concert
April 2017
For a full report and photos,
Click Here

BBC - Antiques Roadshow
Sunday 26th March 2017

John Barrett took this instrument along with the old band photos to see what they made of it and the story that links the Ophicleide to over 200 years of community music making in the town. The BBC adviser Adam Schoon was so keen on the instrument that John was interviewed and filmed for possible use on the TV show. As to the value that was placed upon the Ophicleide, well let's say it is worth more than we thought. Several years back Jane Russell had donated an old Ophicleide to the band that had been passed down through the generations to her from the mid 19th century when her Great Grandfather had played in the town band and when the Ophicleide had been in use. John thoroughly enjoyed his day out and was sad that Jane Russell had been unable to be there too. It is understood that the instrument is the same one that appears on the oldest photo of the band taken at Rievaulx in the mid 1800's. It had for many years hung on back of the door to her dad's (and Grandad's) joinery workshop before Jane rescued it after the workshop had been demolished for new housing.Well done John, it was agreat day for you and the band..

INorth of England - Area Finals 2017 *Sunday 12th March* saw the turn of the Senior Band. Following their sell out concert on the 18th of February where they performed Herbert Howells’ ”Pageantry”, the band took the piece to represent the band at the North of England Area Finals in Durham. The North of England Area makes up bands from the Humber to the Scottish Boarders, across 4 sections with over 30 bands competing across two days. Kirkbymoorside now compete in the highest division, the Championship Section, a huge achievement in itself for a band made up of homegrown local players. The band were complemented on their performance with note made of the soloists, musicality and tuneful playing. It was also noted on the day how “young” the band on stage were. It was a day of firsts and lasts for the band. George Larson of Kirkbymoorside making his contest debut on 3rd Cornet held his nerves and did a great job. It was though, the last contest under the leadership of John Woodward. John has taken the band at every Area Finals for the last 25 years. He has lead the band to fantastic successes including on 4 occasions reaching the National Finals of the 1st Section. The band were delighted to have been placed 6th on the day, a wonderful achievement and tantamount to the work put in by the players, under the direction, leadership and mentor-ship of the John. The Eskdale Festival. *On the weekend of the 4th March* the training sections represented the band and town at the Eskdale Festival.The training bands, beginner, learner and junior, joined forces to enter two categories, one aged year 7 and under and one aged year 11 and under. Whilst un-contested, both bands were awarded first place with some wonderful praise from the adjudicator. He was blown away by the breath of the band and the ability of the young players on show.
2016 Back to Top
High Sheriff of North Yorkshire John Furness. AWARD Click Here	*Xmas Concert* Jim Butler has posted two videos on Face Book, to take a look, click here
*April Concert - Scarborough Citadel* Another great night at the Citadel enjoyed a usual by the band and we hope the audience had a good time to. A solo from John Sails, a song from Lindsey and a duet from Ben and Phil. Frank James captivated us all on the piano and a there was a good collection for the chosen charity. Click here for a few photos
*Kirkbymoorside Junior Band.* Our Junior Band played at Steam and Moorland near Pickering. The event was to raise money for the Candlelighters who work very hard supporting families with their fight against children’s cancer. Sarah, the junior band master said "We had really good time and hope people enjoyed our playing and as much as we enjoyed being there. Click the Image for bigger view

*THE NORTH OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS* Gala Theatre - Durham After a 3 months practice 12th March saw the Kirkby Band’s return the Championship Section to perform Philip Sparke’s Cambridge Variations at the Gala Theatre for the North of England Brass Band Championships. Whilst the test piece was challenging, it is fair to say that the Band loved it. Its lyrical narrative coupled with running semi quavers and faster sections tested every section of the band, from solo seats down. On the day, given last year’s bus breakdown, the band arrived early to Durham, only to find a last place drawer and the competition running an hour late. However, the superb organisation of the competition meant we had a place to drop off instruments and most of the band managed to taste test a number of cake shops in the ensuing 3 hours! On stage the band played well. Whilst nervous, the soloists did exceptionally well and the adjudicator, commentary on social media throughout by brass band pundits was really positive: Its a safe opening. Nice sounds and generally together. Gorgeous flug tone.” Well done baritones” Despite the splits its a really nice slow mvt. Lots of emotion and music found by MD. Cant get over flugs sound” Such good comments were echoed by our supporters in the audience and some pundits had us fourth. However as the adjudicator took to the stage he noted how difficult it had been to place the bands outside of the top two and unfuoturnatley, despite good remarks we ultimately came 8th. Whilst disappointed the band and conductor (John Woodward) are immensely proud to have represented Kirkby with a home grown band, with no changes from the band who competed in the 1st Section a year earlier. The band would like to thank and congratulate John on all his work, and oddly will miss the fantastic Cambridge Varitations at our next rehearsal.
2015 Back to Top
*Junior & Senior Christmas Concerts* At the end of an extremely busy year of bi-centennial events the band was delighted that both it’s Learner Section Concerts and Senior Band Concert were performed to packed audiences. The first concert of the learner sections was held at All Saints Church where in the morning there had been a service of celebration of the band. At the Concert the following awards were awarded: For Attendance – Charlotte Hickman, Martha Walker and Grace Walker, Speight Cup for most improved junior – Cally Cussons, Edith Butler Award for potential – Isabel Jackson, Robin Butler Award for most improved learner –Niamh Smithson, Fran Maw award for outstanding contribution to Adrian Maxwell. Certificates for outstanding musical progress were awarded to Charlie Flintoft, Ella Smailes, Charlie Moxon, Bertie Larson and Harvey Brackley. The following week saw the Senior Band concert (held in aid of the Memorial Hall), which was, as ever a festive delight. The concert showed again how supported the band is by the town and surrounding communities as the Bass Players stood to play a solo in hand knitted hats by Olive Simpson. Olive had knitted over 40 hats that had been sold for band funds. The basses were sporting some fantastic Father Christmas ones for the piece “When Santa Got Stuck Up a Chimney” The band would like to extend their thanks to Olive and to all the residents of Kirkbymoorside and surrounding towns and villages for the support over Christmas. Many will have heard (and seen the band in Olives Hat’s) carolling throughout December. As was announced at the concert, this money is going towards the joint Scout / Band Hall that the Band and Scouts hope to be built in 2016. *Click here* for Photos of Senior Concert *Click Here* for Photos of Junior Concert Click here for a big photo of Jim and Phil *Click Here* for the prize winners and a few words from our Band Master - John Woodward
*Click Here* To find out what it's all about	*Stockton on Forest Concert* Saturday 14th November 2015 Thank's to all who attended and as usual we enjoyed playing at what is by now a regular and succesfull event *Most of our YouTube clips* Follow @kirkbyband
2015 National Championships 19-20 September. The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse. On Friday 18th September, after months of practice, the senior band of Kirkbymoorside Town Brass band, with some very loyal supporters, started their long journey to Cheltenham and the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. This is the second time in as many years that Kirkbymoorside have won through the Regional Stages to represent the North of England at the prestigious event that sees 17 bands from across England, Scotland and Wales competing for the coveted Champion prize. The band that made the journey aged from 14 - 60. The youngest players on the day being Conor Lalley, Mhairi Maxwell, Dan Towler and Ellie Fairweather, all of whom represented the band and Ryedale School impeccably. They, as 99% of the Kirkbymoorside players on the stage, have benefitted from Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band's, free instrument and tuition programme. The band now has over 100 players across 5 bands, making them unique amongst their competitors on the day. The piece, Kenneth Hesketh's Alchymist's Journal, was conceieved from a quotation from a book by the same name by Evan S Connell. "We are told that Time is a brisk wind bringing forth each hour some fresh proportion, some new shape, and as our thoughts hourly change…so it happens with Time. May not the close of a motion be also its beginning?” Within the book Connell fictionalises a number of famous Alchemists’ writing, each one developing another’s thoughts. An idea is continued but changed subtly to provide a new view point or way of thinking, the process itself in fact alchemical, transmuting one idea into another. In The Alchymist’s Journal (Variants for Brass Band) the processes at work are similarly about retention and change. Whilst abstract with no descriptive programme, the music is dramatic and has a clear an unfolding narrative. Whilst not without its challenges, the band thoroughly enjoyed the dramatic, contemporary music. They performed magnificently and were placed 11th. Particularly mentioned was the tuned percussionist Liam Carter and the well balanced solo between Principal Cornetist John Sails and Soprano Cornetist Sarah Woodward. John Woodward the bands Musical Director said: “I am incredibly proud of the band. This has been such a busy year, with our bi-centenary celebrations, routine jobs and representing Kirkbymoorside at the Himmighausen Germany Millenium Celebrations, but they have never once faltered. Taking on this challenging piece and producing a fantastic performance on the day” If you would like to see the band live their next engagement is on 16th October at the Pickering Wartime Weekend and their next concert is on 14th November at Stockton on Forest.
*Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and Fire Brigade are honoured Guests at Himmighausen (Germany) Millenium Celebrations. The award winning Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, and representatives of the Kirkbymoorside Town Retained Fire Brigade, have completed a highly successful visit to Himmighausen, Germany in this the Band’s 200th anniversary year. The band and representatives of the fire brigade were formally invited as honoured guests to the 150th Schutzenfest (shooting festival) to celebrate Himmighausen’s Millennium, the organising committee were keen that the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and Fire Brigade were included within their celebration plans. The first record of Himmighausen dates back to 1015 with a record of Himmighausen Castle in the Church Archive. Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and Kirkbymoorside Fire Brigade have been involved in exchange visits with the Himmighausen Blasorchester and Feuerwehr since 1982 and this weekend’s celebrations were a true show of the lasting friendship between the two towns. Celebrations were started by over 300 guests attending a joint concert in the local St Anthony’s Church to rapturous applause. The parade followed with bands, fire brigades and the Schutzenfest King and Queen marching, watched by 100’s of spectators. To celebrate their millennium Himmighausen planted 88 trees in a world record time, the first of which was the Kirkbymoorside Friendship Oak Tree that was unveiled after the Schutzenfest Parade on Saturday night. Sunday saw the District Councillor Friedhelm Spieker and Mayor of Nieheim Thomas Müther attend a festival and craft market with concert by Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band in the local castle grounds. "In Himmighausen there is something that is invaluable," said Spieker, "namely, a great community and neighbourhood” Phil Woodward – Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band Manager “In total over 90 people made the journey from Kirkby to Himmighausen, and it has been an awesome weekend. We and the firebrigade were delighted to represent the town at such a prestigious event." Himmighausen hope to make a return trip to Kirkbymoorside in the future. Click here* for fun and games at one of the parties Click here for more pics and more to come
The Ryedale Festival - Our August Concert at Hovingham. A good audience enjoyed the sunshine at The Worsley Arms in Hovingham at what is by now our yearly appearance at The Ryedale Festival. The festival is a well established musical event in Ryedale's year and it is always a pleasure to participate. We played a varied program from classical to pop and the audience enjoyed it all, we think. *Click here* for photos taken by a friend of the band.
The Big Meet - Durham Miners Gala 2015 "A great day was had by all at the 131st Durham Miners Gala on Saturday. After a break last year due to a band wedding we were delighted to be reunited with the Blackhall Lodge. The increase in numbers to the Gala, with an estimated 180,000 people attending, meant that we did have to cue for some time! But the wonderful weather and the camaraderie within the Band, Lodge and Crowd shone through. The extended march meant we entertained the onlookers at all opportunities with traditional pieces such as the Miners Hymn Gresford and The Red Flag and Internationalle as well as some more recent favourites such as Amarillo and Delilah. Special mention to our stalwart basses, and stand in bass drummer who had the literal weight to bear all day! As well as to Maihri and George our two youngest players who smiled throughout." Click here a video of our trip to Durhan.
The Bi-Centenary Celebrations The original members of the Kirkbymoorside Band could never have probably imagined that 200 years after they met together to play, that the town would be celebrating their bi-centenary with a weekend full of music, fun, celebrations and over 100 musicians. We are so proud to be the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and look forward to the band and town in 2215 reading about the fantastic bi-centenary weekend in readiness for the 400 year celebrations
Follow @kirkbyband	Click here for a few photos from early 2015
*The Les Maw Memorial Concert* A full house to remember Les, Alan and Evelyn. The concert was sold out weeks before as expected. The respect for these three Kirkby Band stalwarts was very high indeed. The soloists, all taught by Les, played well and the audience showed there appreciation. A poem was written about Les by Ron Johnson and Hannah Woodward read it to the delighted crowd. Click here to read the poem.We were very pleased that so many of the Maw family could attend and we feel sure they enjoyed listening as much as we all enjoyed playing.	*The Scarborough Concert Scarborough Salvation Army Citadel* A packed house on a fine night led to a wonderful concert at Scarborough Citadel. It is always a pleasure to play music by Salvation Army composers and arrangers and with solos from John Sails, Sarah and Hannah Woodward we played some of the finest music we have the pleasure to play, The audience enjoyed the event and we were helped as usual by Frank James and John Mitchell. This year we were joined by the 'Mini Manhattan Voices' a new girl choir from Scarborough, they were fantastic, well done. See you all again next year. Two You Tube videos filmed at this concert- Click Here
Follow @kirkbyband
THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Championships Saturday 14th March 2015 Gala Theatre - Durham 1. Kirkbymoorside Town (John Woodward)* 2. Westoe (H. Thomas)* 3. Cockerton Prize Silver (Michael Hardman) 4. Ripon City Band (Malcolm Dibb) 5. GT Group Peterlee (Nick Hall) 6. Ashington Colliery Band (D Kendall) Winning Conductor: Kirkbymoorside Town (John Woodward) Best Trombones: Kirkbymoorside Town Best Basses: Kirkbymoorside Town Best Percussion: Kirkbymoorside Town An early start from Kirkbymoorside saw us in a good mood after being tipped to win by 4barsrest. After passing through Thirsk, the driver of the bus started to fiddle with the controls, shortly followed by a trip into a layby on the A19. A hose on the bus had come adrift and the coach was overheating and going no further. Phil and the driver organised a replacement bus from Malton followed by frantic phone calls to sort out what we would do if we were late in Durham. We eventually got the draw from Robin, and it looked good for us with a draw of fourth. In the mean time Ripon City offered to swap with us should we be late. This was very much appreciated and thanks to them for the offer. We arrived with comfortably enough time and settled down to play in our draw position of fourth. We played well but not to our best, but it was enough to do the job. Yes a clean sweep with all the five prizes. We all met in the 'John Duck Ale House' across the road to check out the local beer, not bad for a none Yorkshire pub. The staff and a handful of locals were startled when John Sails decided to try out the rather splendid 'Geneva Cornet' we won as the winning band. Ilkley Moor sung by us all at fortissimo, was tolerated by the regulars who were trying to watch a rugby match on TV. Thanks for putting up with us. More singing on the bus home when 'Sunshine Mountain' was climbed successfully, yet again. The Championship Section beckons again next year with an even bigger mountain to clime. So it's off to Cheltenham later this year to represent the North of England at the National Finals for the second consecutive year this time as 'The North of England 1st Section Champions' . Congratulations to Westoe who will join us in Cheltenham. Thanks again to Ripon City.

2014 Back to Top
*THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT* Well we were packed again and we are trying to find a solution to the problem. The weather was kind and the concert was well received. We hope you all enjoyed our choice of music and we will see all again next year. Click Here for some pics of the event	We have a new CD of Christmas music available. All the tracks were recorded live at the Christmas Concerts over the last few years.The CD will be available at our Concert on the 21st Dec. Click here for details You can order a CD by post here Click here for more CD's
*Spirit of Remembrance* Elgar to Glen Miller and lot's more kept the audience happy at our remembrance concert at Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall. Martin Watts set the tone with his skilful comparing and solos from John Barrett and John Woodward kept the audience entertained to the the end when a Land of Hope and Glory rang out across the market place. Thank's for coming and we hope to see you all at the annual christmas concert...
It is with great sadness that the band has to announce the death of Alan Martin. After suffering illness over the summer, Alan passed away peacefully during the early hours of Thursday the 16th October. *Click Here*
Image © Yorkshire Life A special report in the YORKSHIRE LIFE MAGZINE about the band and Kirkbymoorside CLICK HERE	*American Salute* Our concert at Stockton-on-Forest Village Hall on Saturday 27th was a great success with a full house listening to music from across the pond. Solos from John, Sarah, Ben and a song from Lindsey. The audience were superb in the singing at the end and we hope to see you all very soon..

National Finals
The long journey to Cheltenham for the National Finals was definitely worth it as we all had such a great time. Our band, along with The York Railway Band traveled to represent the North of England in the National Championship of Great Britain, Ist Section. We had a bit of a wait having been drawn eleventh which put us on stage at about 7.30pm. The organisation was very slick and and relaxed and we had plenty of time for us to relax and prepare to play. The piece was very demanding and after we left the stage, we thought we had played it OK. After a long wait until the last band played, the results were announced we finished in twelfth place one behind York Railway Band. The band returned to the hotel and in true tradition engaged in a small celebration which went on until the small hours thank's to a very tolerant hotel staff. We all enjoyed the experience and were not too disappointed with the result. A top ten would have been nice but never mind. Banding is all about climbing mountains, and we certainly climbed one on the bus on the our return to the hotel. Well done Phil and thank's to our Band Master and all in the organisation team for all the hard work they put in....

Les Maw - BEM
1923-2014
Well what a do, the funeral that is. All Saints was full and at 11.00am on the dot, Les was carried in by four bandsmen all of which were tutored at some time by him. The band played for an hour before as we anticipated the congregation would all get there early to make sure of a seat. Two vicars talked about him, someone else recited a poem that could have been about him and we all played and sang our hats of for him. At the end Les was carried out to 'Marching Onwards' or Onward Christian Soldiers if you like and we all agreed that was a wonderful way to finish. Les we will all miss you in our own way and thank,s for being around to enhance our lives so much.
Click here for a message from our Band Master

We have four new CDs for sale.

Reserve concert ticket or be notified in advance of concerts,

The Ryedale Festival Brass Band Concert
Sunday 27th July 2014 - 3:00pm at The Garden, Worsley Arms, Hovingham. The weather stayed fine and a good sized crowd sat outside and enjoyed the tea and music.

Bedale Methodist Anniversary Concert
Saturday 7th June 2014, Bedale Methodist Church. It was a quick run up the A1 to Bedale for us and a warm welcome from the people of this old town in North Yorkshire. The church was wonderful with a great acoustic. The basses had a interesting night sitting in the pulpit six feet above the rest of the band. We look forward to visiting again soon.

The Scarborough Citadel Concert
The concert at The Scarborough Citadel was looked forward to by all the band and a well balanced program was enjoyed by the audience. We gave another run to 'Cry of the Mountains' and yes the audience jumped just as high as the last time we played it at a concert. Thank's to all the other artists and we look forward to our next visit to the Citadel.

Contrasts in Brass
Not such a big turnout this time, but we hope you enjoyed the concert. Ben Smails was taken to hospital just before the day and we certainly missed his playing. Thank's to Phil Woodward who moved up a seat at very short notice. See you at the next concert.

The Area Finals 2014 - Darlington

t was a good day at the 2014 Area Finals at The Dolphin Centre in Darlington. Cry of the Mountains was a deceptively tricky piece that tested all the bands. The man in the box said only two bands put in a good performance and we were one of them bringing home 2nd place and best basses prize. A trip to Cheltenham later this year for the National Finals was the prize and the band look forward to the challenge. Our congratulations go to York Railway Institute Band winners 1st section and Swinton Excelsior Band, 2nd in the 4th section, both bands are just down the road from us and will make the trip to Cheltenham along with us....

Landscapes in Brass
The concert started with the test piece 'Cry of the Mountain'. We played it in public for the first time and it went quite well. The gun shot at the start of the 'Avalanche' movement was so loud half the audience jumped nearly as high as the mountain, in shock. They all survived and we think enjoyed the rest of the concert. Thank's for attending and see you at the next concert.

2013 Back to Top

The Traditional Christmas Concert at Kirkby......
Our traditional offering of Christmas music and carol singing in Kirkby has come and gone yet again. What a turnout, and thank's to you all for your patience while we got you all in. Thank's from all our bands for a fantastic year, it's been one of the best years we have had. Your support and encouragement throughout the year, will encourage all the bands to achieve even more in 2014.

Junior Christmas Concert 2013
Kirkby's Junior, Learner and Community Band gave their Christmas Concert at All Saints Church on 15th Dec 2013. A capacity crowd enjoyed all the bands and well done to Sarah, Jeanette and Ben for all the work they put in to present the concert.

Les Maw - 90th Birthday Party.
Les Maw celebrated his 90th birthday at a special party at the British Legion Club in Kirkby on Sunday 20th Oct 2013.

*Wartime Dances 2013* What a great weekend for the band. Full houses at both Pickering and Kirkbymoorside. We all enjoyed playing and hope you enjoyed the night to. We are a subscription band so the money we make goes back into the band to help in all our activities. The band transforms itself into The Glen Miller Band for two nights ( No, Glen is not Ed Miliband's father ). Thank you again and we hope to see you all again next year.
*Stockton-on-Forest Village Hall* With a packed hall and standing room only the evening was a huge success. The film music of John Barry and the rest certainly kept us all busy playing a demanding but very enjoyable concert to a wonderfully and happy, we hope, full hall. Dean's Garden Centre and the band would like to thank all who attended for what turned out to be a excellent night for the charities involved, the band and all who helped.
*Wagoners' Special Reserve Day - Sledmere* The band marched at an open day that commemorated the founding of the Wagoners' Special Reserve in 1913 by Sir Mark Sykes, 6th Baronet. The band paraded through the village, with several teams horses and carts, regimental banners and members of the armed forces. There were stalls in the grounds of Sledmere House and lots to see. for photos of the day.
HELMSLEY CHURCH - THE FESTIVAL CONCERT Our concert ,"Music for a Festival" at Helmsley Church featuring our very special guest artist Ewan Easton-Principal Tuba with the Halle Orchestra was a great success. The band enjoyed playing to a slightly different audience than what we were used to and we think they enjoyed the experience. Thank's to Ewan and Tim Brooks who helped out on the day and we look forward to a similar event in the future.
*Brighouse March and Hymn Contest -* It was a pleasant ride by coach to Brighouse for the 2013 March and Hymn Contest. We came sixth again, the same as last year, which was not bad with the competition being supplied by some of the top bands. We did not win the deportment prize this year which was a little disappointing. Never mind we must try harder next year.
*REFLECTIONS IN BRASS* - a good turnout for this concert marking the milestones of brass band music. Everything from test pieces to big band music and a little pop music thrown in for good measure. The final piece shook Kirkbymoorside to the foundations with our resident gunner, Malk, let loose with the modern equivalent of an armillary gun, yes a computer. The canons at the end of the 1812 Overture were delivered through massive speakers and were heard all over the town. Thank's for coming and we look forward to seeing you at the next concert. (see above)
*Area Finals - Darlington.*Well the girls all enjoyed Primark and the boys had a good time in the pub but that was it as far as enjoyment went. David Read, the man in the middle, commented we had a few mountains to climb, and we agreed that was about right. The piece was at the limits of the bands ability and despite trying very hard we came tenth, OK last. We all enjoyed the experience in different ways and we look forward to next year when the test piece should be a little more friendly.
Brass en Masse Ryedale School was the venue for the most enjoyable concert we have played for some time. The combined ensembles of Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band. Featuring over 90 brass musicians from the Training Band, Learner Band, Community Band and the Senior Band. A hall full of mums , dads, grannies, grandads, friends and relations enjoyed the spectacle of their little future cornet star sitting next to John Sails and the other members of the senior band. We are sure the senior band members also enjoyed sharing the stage with all those enthusiastic players of all ages......

2012 Back to Top
*Christmas Concert. 2012* Thank's very much to all who attended this years Christmas Concert. We just about found a seat for you all and we hope you enjoyed the music and singing as much as we did. Congratulations to all the award winners and thank's from the scout group for your more than generous donations. See you again next year. Click here for photos of presentations *War Time Dances 2012* The two war time dances at Pickering and Kirkbymoorside were a great success with a sell out at both venues. The events are part of the Pickering War Weekend now established as one of the top events in Ryedale. The band transforms itself into The Glen Miller Band for two nights and sets off from Tuxedo Junction for a trip on the Chattanooga Choo Choo with a Bugle Boy from Pennsylvania. Thank's to all who came and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, see you next year...... *Durham Miners Gala 2012.* The weather stayed dry and the sun came out for most of the time. There seemed to be bigger crowds that ever and a good time was had by all. The Blackhall Banner was carried with pride by the lads and lasses from Blackhall and we were very happy to help out again. You might like to take a look at the video on YouTube and marvel at the rhythmic swaying of John Boy Junior, (flugel). *Durham Miners 2012* *Brighouse March and Hymn Contest.* A better weekend at Brighouse with a 6th place overall and a 1st in the Deportment. Our first visit to this very well oganised contest. We played early, and we didn't stay until the end so we had a wait for the results. Thank's for a very enjoyable day and we look forward to next year.. 2011 Back to Top *One Contest, Two Concerts.* Not a good day at Morley with our first visit to this March and Hymn contest. Lets say we learned a lot and look forward to next year. The two concerts at Kirkby and Stockton on Forest went a lot better with nearly full houses at both. Lots of patriotic playing with enthusiastic singing from the audience. Thank's for attending and we look forward to seeing you all at the next OLYMPIC CONCERT at Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall. *Himmighausen trip to Kirkby 2011* Our German friends from Himmighausen visited over the weekend of 29th July 2011. Their band played wonderfully and all our band were very impressed. We all went to Whitby for fish and chips on Saturday morning. Fish and chips seemed OK for them, but mushy peas received a less enthusiastic welcome. After a dash back to Kirkby, we set off for Helmsley to share the stage at a concert for the prestigious RYEDALE FESTIVAL at Duncombe House. That night at the Memorial Hall, Kirkby we were all treated to a session from Kirkby's own SOUL BAND. After the first sober up, football at the football field on Sunday morning was just the way to start the day. Kirkby showed their generosity by letting Himmighausen thrash them, in true England - Germany tradition. A march round the town in the afternoon finished at the band room, where the Kirkby Junior Band gave a confident and enjoyable performance. Time for a quick nap, before the concert from both bands at the Memorial Hall . Wonderful gifts were exchanged and a pledge to get together in the future was expressed. A tearful goodbye on Monday morning left us with a feeling that in spite of a lot of hard work from both Himmighausen and Kirkby, the weekend had been a great success and it was especially cheering to see the young members of both bands have such a great time. The older members will take longer to get over it, but enjoyed it just as much. Thank's to all the people who gave their free time in both Himmighausen and Kirkby to make the weekend so enjoyable. Click here for the photos *Whit Fridays 2011* Well we managed seven stops again. We had a brilliant day and we think we came 13th out of fifty odd band who qualified by completing six or more stops. Over ninety bands took part. *Stockton on Forest Concert* This was the first time the band has played at Stockton on Forest Village Hall. We enjoyed playing to a full hall and hope you all enjoyed the programme as much as we enjoyed playing it. Special thank's to all who helped and thank's to the Dean family, of *DEAN'S GARDEN CENTRE* for their support..
*Durham County Brass Band Association 2010* The junior and senior band had another successful visit to Blackhall for the annual solo, duet and quartet 2010 contest. We repeated last years success with seven class wins out of 9 classes
*Bandsman's Choice* Thank's to all who attended the concert and we hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed playing. The next concert at Kirkby is on the 31st July with the Himmighausen Band followed by the 17th September which is a musical tour of the world.
*Whit Friday Marches 2010.* Severn stops this year and an excellent day with a 3rd place at Delph and 10th overall out of a field of 137 Bands. The band were saddened to hear of the tragic accident and our condolences go to the family.
	*Geoff Marshall* Geoff unexpectedly passed away in April 2010, doing what he enjoyed most when he was not playing in the band. He was on the top of a hill taking a break from one of his favorite walks in West Yorkshire. His dry sense of humor, musical knowledge and playing talent will be missed by all the members of the band. You didn't hear it Geoff, but a full band played really well at your last gig,
*Area Finals - Darlington* Sunday 21 March, and up to Darlington for the area finals. We were encouraged by Stape's win in the 4th section and well done to them. We worked our socks off at rehearsals to prepare George Llyod's 'English Heritage' and it paid of with a fifth place in the championship section, which for us was a result we were very pleased with,
*Scottish Open Championship* All the way up to Perth for this years Scottish Open. We had a great time and enjoyed everything except the result. We played below par and had no issues with the result, so we can put the whole thing down to experience. The concert hall was great, the hotel was brilliant with excellent staff and the company in the hotel, 'Pemberton Old Band', help us to drown our sorrows and finish a disappointing day with a good laugh.
*Malton Contest* Our local contest, just down the road from Kirkby. The contest is going through a sticky patch at the moment with a small but very determined entry. We drew second on in class 'A' and thought we played well. Alan Hope was in the box and he thought so too. We won Best March, best solo (sop) and 1st overall to win the contest in a section with four bands playing. Never mind perhaps more will turn up next year, and with a change of venue across the river in Norton, with a lot better acoustic, it should be more enjoyable to play..
*Durham County Brass Band Association 2010* Let's just say our players from both the junior and senior bands did exceptionally well. We took 1st place in 7 out of the 9 classes so a very well done to all our players. Thank's to the association for a very well run competition and we look forward to next year.
*Whit Marches on the 5th June 2009*. We had a day at the Whit Marches on the 5th June 2009. We played a very wet six stops with probably the best results to date. Diggle and Lyngate not too good, but eleventh at Greenfield was better. As the night got older we got better, with 9th at Scouthead, 8th at Denshaw and at Delph we shared 7th with Fairey who ironically we shared a concert at THE SAGE in Gateshead on the following Sunday. The concert was a huge success and we were joined by Easington to really fill the stage with players and the hall with sound. Thanks to Ray Farr and all the other players for a great day.
Follow @kirkbyband