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rapidly approaching, but the launch of the Band's new CD of the same name. Christmas is Coming is an ideal present to give or keep! It contains a mixture of seasonal music, carols and arrangements, with the icing on this particular Christmas cake being the vocal contributions of Lucy Rhodes (BBC Radio2 Young Chorister of the Year), who is a particular friend of the Band. The CD costs £10 and is available from any Band member, at our engagements or by post - for further details, sound samples of some of the tracks, or how to place orders see the Recordings page.
searching for second and third place bands from the very start, Harrogate Band took the top prize at the Malton Brass 2003 Entertainment Contest. In addition the Band's Principal Cornet player, Robert Illsley, was awarded the "best soloist" trophy for his performance of Hello Dolly. Other items in the Band's programme were La Mourisque by Susato, Shostakovich's Festive Overture, All Around the World by Alexander Owen, 'Mid All the Traffic and the jazzy, New Orleans style of Hallelujah Parade. For some pictures from this event - see the Malton Contest page
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT - We are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Richmond as our Honorary President. Neil is well known locally as a dedicated teacher and conductor, and has been involved with the Band since the very beginning, as it was he who in 1970 formed the band from former Granby School Band players who wished to continue their playing after leaving school. Neil was the Band's first Musical Director, and quickly led it to success at its first contest in November 1970 at York - the first of many contest successes over the last 33 years. Neil handed over the reins to John Higginson in the late 1970s, but maintained a high local profile as he continued his renowned work with Granby High School Concert Band, helping to launch the musical careers of many youngsters, several of whom have moved on to The Harrogate Band over the years. Neil has retained his links with the Band throughout, and since his retirement from teaching has been able to add further value to our activities - particularly via his research into local music. This work formed the basis of our Made in Harrogate concert, held in aid of the Royal Hall restoration, and also the CD of the same name. His arrangements of the pieces unearthed, some featured on the CD, have been received with great interest from the band, who are forever on the lookout for new and interesting material. In inviting Neil to be our Honorary President, The Harrogate Band recognises not only Neil's continuing support, but more significantly the immense contribution made to the band and it's members past and present through it's founding and formative years. 
STAGE AND SCREEN - A feast of music from films, television, musicals and opera delighted a crowded St Peter's Church in Harrogate. From the sublime such as Silent Worship from Handel's Ptolemy to the (not quite) ridiculous The Simpsons theme tune, via a whole range of show music from the likes of Gershwin, Berlin, Bernstein and John Williams. 
The Band was delighted to welcome guest soprano vocalist Claire Cave who sang several songs accompanied by Katie Illsley on the piano. Solo items by various members of the band were featured during the concert - in particular Jo Campbell's appearance as James Bond in her soprano cornet solo performance of Live and Let Die was excellent. A double act of Rachel Higginson (flugel) and MD David Lancaster re-enacted the scene from Brassed Off where Gloria arrives at the band rehearsal and, unrehearsed, plays the Adagio from Rodrigo's Concerto d'Aranjuez. Rachel's rendition was, of course, wonderful - but it has to be said that the duo's acting was a little on the hammy side! We were also very pleased to see Leighton Rich in the audience. The founder of Harrogate's Tewit Youth Band, Leighton had for many years conducted the very successful Hampshire County Youth Brass Band.
LAUNCH OF DRAGON MUSIC PUBLISHING - This new website gives details of original brass band music and arrangements by the Musical Director of the Harrogate Band, David Lancaster, and other composers and arrangers associated with the Band. A wide selection of music for all tastes and occasions, and to suite bands of various abilities, can be ordered from the website. Samples of the music and scores can be played online.
MADE IN AUGUST - The band assembled at St John Fisher Church in Harrogate at the end of August, some wearing "Santa Claus" hats, one even sporting musical carol socks, and accompanied by a supply of mince pies and Christmas cake. All of this strange behaviour is partially explained by the fact that we were there to record a new CD of Christmas music. Christmas is Coming will be available well in advance of the festive season and will be an ideal present to give or keep! The CD contains a mixture of seasonal music, carols and arrangements, with the icing on this particular Christmas cake being the vocal contribtions of Lucy Rhodes (BBC Radio2 Young Chorister of the Year), who braved the rather cool environment in the church to record several songs and carols. Further details, including how to place advance orders, can be found on the Recordings page.
FRIENDS OF THE HARROGATE BAND - This new group has been set up for those supporters of the band who wish to be kept up to date with what the band is up to, and also for those who would like to support the band in any of the many ways that can help us.Further details, including how to register your interest in joining, can be found on the Friends of the Harrogate Band page.
TWIN RIVERS OF SONG AND BRASS - We were delighted to join the Two Rivers Chorale, from Anoka, Minnesota, at the Sun Pavilion for part of their concert tour of the UK. This setting, in the midst of the Valley Gardens, on a warm summer's evening, was perfect for the blend of programmes from the band and choir. As the music floated out of the open doors and across the Gardens it attracted people out for an evening's stroll to stop and enjoy the concert.
WHEN THE BAND JOINED THE ARMY - Our most recent foray into the world of television came as extras in a new drama currently being filmed by YTV. Set in 1914 it stars Martin Kemp as the serial killer George Joseph Smith, perpetrator of the 'Brides in the Bath' murders.. A selection of the more "youthful" looking members of the band were engaged to play the part of an army band. The weather was hot during the filming at Ripley Castle and the heavy WW1 uniforms were not the best outfits to keep cool in! We look forward to seeing the finished product when it is screened later in the year. Click here for a selection of pictures from the day at Ripley.
BAY AREA CHORUS - The Band shared the stage at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold with the Bay Area Chorus from Houston, Texas. Their vocal clarity and sensitive performance of a range of spiritual and folk songs were a joy to listen to. The Band's performance in the first half of the concert covered a wide range of items from the furious Czardas by Strauss to the beautifully contemplative Irish Blessing, with a number of American compositions in homage to our Texan guests. A very warm welcome from the people of Easingwold made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening for all.
INSTRUMENTS FOR TEWIT - A number of surplus brass instruments belonging to the Band were recently donated to Tewit Youth Band in Harrogate. Tewit Youth Band, led by Malcolm Dibb, not only provide a high standard of musicianship, but also have a strong teaching tradition in their Junior and Training bands. Ian Bristow, pictured here, took great pleasure in presenting the instruments on behalf of the Harrogate Band to Ian McCandlish, musical director of the Tewit Youth Junior Band.
LATEST ARRIVAL IN THE BAND - Congratulations to Catherine and Steve Morland on the birth of their second son, Elliott Miles, on 3rd April. 
AUGUSTANA IN RIPON - Ripon Cathedral resounded with the joint performances of the Harrogate Band and the Augustana College Symphonic Band. This wind band, from Rock Island, Illinois, visited the area during its UK tour. The Augustana Band, which was one of the first US collegiate wind band to tour in Europe, performed a selection of music by Holst, Grainger, Sparke and others, following the Harrogate Band's performance of alternating American and British music. | Michael Hymas |
 It was with sadness we learned of the sudden death of Michael Hymas, President of the Harrogate Band, on Sunday 9th February. A long-time patron of the Band and other organisations in Harrogate, his friendship and guidance is greatly missed.
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