22nd December

We have now moved to our new online home here at Lionsyouthbrass.tk. The change of location will result in no more pop-up ads, a much more reliable website and easier management for the running of the site.

I will be exploring more opportunities to enhance the site in future, please email me if you have any suggestions to improve the site.

I must take this opportunity to thank Edward Miles who has made the move possible and helped me over the past few weeks.

Ian Raisbeck

20th December

Yesterday members of the organisation went busking and bag packing in Waitrose, Sandbach. Over 6 hours we raised over 850 pounds, a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.

We will return to Waitrose for more busking on Christmas Eve between 8am and 2pm.

Katie Smallwood

10th December

Last tuesday saw all three bands celebrate the end of the year with our annual concert at Ruskin High School (our rehearsal base). It has been a superb year for the organisation and you can read Nigel's review here. Stephanie Hughes was awarded bandsman of the year for her outstanding contribution to the band. Neil Raisbeck and Alex Holsgrove were awarded most improved players.

With just carol playing remaining the organisation can look forward to another great year in 2005!

Ian Raisbeck

10th December

There have been a few changes recently for the organisations personel.
Vicky Gardener is now in charge of the Junior band, a new team of Andy Cooper, Andy Felton, Hayley Scott and Christopher Thompson will tutor the beginners. The Begginners and Junior are both overseen by Derek Gardener.

Meanwhile in the youth band Robert Hilliard joins the band on e flat bass, James Darlington moves from cornet to e flat bass and Adam Jenkins moves from baritone to euphonium
Finally, congratulations go to bass trombone player Michael Bartley who recently passed his grade six examination with distinction.

Nigel Birch

29th November

Last night the Youth band, Junior band and Begginner bands were joined by the Roberts Bakery Band for their annual concert at the oakley centre in Crewe. As ever it was a big success with all of the bands perfoming well and entertaining a sell out audience.

This concert has been a regular event over the past few years and we hope it will continue in years to come as an oppportunity to showcase the organisations talents alongside one of the areas best entertaining bands

Ian Raisbeck

26th November

Our new child policy is now available to view Here

It outlines the organisations guidlines and responsibilities to our members

Paul Darlington (committee)

11 November

It has been confirmed that the Youth band will receive coaching from the Black Dyke Band, recent winners of the national championships of great Britain. The workshops will take place over the 26th and 27th of February, there will also be a concert featuring both Black Dyke and Lions Youth Brass at Nantwich Civic Hall.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the band, I'm sure it will be a spectacular weekend for the members.

Ian Raisbeck

8th November

The youth band have just returned from their weekend in Torquay. The band played well throughout the short stay, coming 3rd in the South West Brass Band Associations annual contest against some very good bands. After a meal provided by the lions club the band performed for them at st Mattias church. The concert was also a great success, enjoyed by the audience and band.

We have to thank the Lions club of Torquay who did so much work to make the trip possible, their hospitality made the band feel very welcome. Hopefully more trips will be possible in the future.

Pictures from the weekend will be posted soon.

Ian Raisbeck

3rd November

The youth band are currently busy preparing for this weeks mini tour to Torquay. Following last years successful summer tour the Torquay lions clubs were desperate for us to return. This weekend the youth band will return, to compete in a contest on the Saturday, followed by a concert in the evening. The last few weeks have been spent preparing for the contest which will hopefully provide another good day for the band, against bands we never normally compete against.

Other forthcoming events include the annual joint concert with the Roberts Bakery Band as well as the numerous events in the build up to Christmas.

The engagements page will be fully updated asap so keep watching for more details.

Ian Raisbeck

17th October

The youth band were victories at the Huddesfield contest today. They not only won the youth section but principal cornet Sarah Raisbeck also won best principal for her performance which included 'Fantasy Variations' written for her by Ian Raisbeck.

It is another great day for the future of Lions Youth Brass as many of this years new youngsters have won on their first contest with the band.

Ian Raisbeck

17th October

Visitors to our website over the last week may have been disappointed to notice that the website was suspended from public viewing. This was due to a series of guestbook entries referring to pornographic websites. The necessary authorities have been informed and are to look into the situation.

It saddens me that having build up and maintained this website for so long without problems we now have to remove our guestbook to protect the site from further intruders. I will look for a better way of posting your comments, in the mean time you can email any comments to our email address and I'll post them on the site in the near future.

Ian Raisbeck

25th September

Lions met for a race night at the Broughton Arms last night. The members of the band managed to raise a total of £485 towards our forthcoming trip to Torquay. It was also a great chance for newer members of the band to join with older ones in a social atmosphere.

More details on future engagements will be available very soon.

Ian Raisbeck

12th September

Lions Youth Brass were back in action after the summer break with a concert in Sandbach Heath Chapel last Friday (10th September). After just 2 rehearsals the band performed brilliantly to a very packed and appreciative audience. It was a mixed night for members of the band as many older members were performing with the Youth band for the last time before moving on to university or jobs. At the other end of the scale there were several members playing in their first concert for the youth band after promotion for the Junior band.

A new series of awards were presented for the first time; the new long service awards have been brought in to reward the players who spend years working hard for the organisation. Silver awards (5 years) and gold awards (8 years) were presented during the concert to several members of the band.

during the second half the band performed 'a Hymn for Betty', a special commissioned piece in memory of a friend and supporter of the band who sadly passed away earlier this year, it was seen as a fitting mark of respect.

With the first concert of the new academic year completed we now look forward to another busy year. Highlights will include a weekend in Torquay, contests in Manchester, Rhyl and Huddesfield as well as the many concerts around the area.

Ian Raisbeck

12th September

Stewart Thompson has left the organisation as musical director of the Junior Band. Stewart leaves after several years with the organisation as player and then tutor and more recently MD of the Junior Band. He has found it increasingly difficult to keep up commitment due to career progress and has now decided it best to leave.
He says:

Just wanted to thank everyone for the support you have given myself and the Junior Brass over the last four years, i will never forget it. I hope Lions goes from strength to strength and I hope to keep in touch. Good luck to you all and Junior Brass, i will miss you all but keep blowing and enjoy it!

We wish him success for the future. For the time being the Junior band will be directed by the current team of Vicky Gardener, Derek Gardener and assistants Andrew Felton and Andrew Cooper.

Ian Raisbeck

24th August

The youth band are seeking young percussion players to join the band. Our current players are sadly leaving the band very soon and the band would like to find replacement players as soon as possible.

If you or anybody you know are interested please contact us by emailing or phoning the numbers on the contact page.

Ian Raisbeck

29th July

Happy summer holidays to all LYB members!

Firstly good luck to Neil Raisbeck who is currently representing Lions as a member in the first ever National Childrens Band of Great Britian.

There will be a Lions Youth Brass concert on the 10th of September at Sandbach Heath Chapel, retiring members will recieve their certificates at this concert

I can also confirm that I (Ian Raisbeck) will be continuing my work as composer in residence over the next year. I have composed 5 pieces for the band so far over the last year and have already completed a request for the September concert. I look forward to being able to assist the organization with more pieces over the next year.

Ian Raisbeck

6th July

The youth band returned in the early hours of the morning today from their first tour on foreign soil. It was a superb trip enjoyed by all, full report and pictures will be up soon on the special tour pages.

Information about the festival can be found on their website which is: http://www.fijo.cz

Ian Raisbeck

28th June

Lions Youth Brass won at the Rhyl festival of brass yesterday with a 6 point musical victory over our nearest rivals. The band performed brilliantly to achieve a second win in 3 years with last being a second place. Our principal trombone player Greg Holsgrove picked up the trophy for best soloist after a great performance of 'Killing Me Softly', and conductor Nigel picked up the trophy for winning musical director.

In the solo classes the bands players turned out in force to take part with and support the bands players. Not quite as successful as past years this time in the solo's although Neil Raisbeck and Katie Smallwood both picked up 3rd prize trophies.

A brilliant win for the band was a fitting way for many older members to finish their contesting with Lions, and means the whole band will be on a high going on our trip the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

Ian Raisbeck

24th June

Lions Youth Brass are entering one of the most exciting periods of its history. Beginning this weekend when the band will travel to Rhyl for the annual entertainment contest last won by Lions 2 years ago. Last year we were pipped into 2nd place but hope to reverse back to the top this year. This contest sees the last appearance on the contest stage for many members as the rules state they will be to old in future years. Lions also have many individuals entered in solo classes, best of luck to all of them.

After the contest on sunday the band have only 3 days before our first trip on foreign soil to perform in an international music festival for youth, we are the only band representing the UK! It will be an exciting trip for many members as there will be a good mix of first timers and old timers who have reached retirement age.

keep watching for full reports on the contest and tour, also there will be plenty of pictures of the tour online shortly after.

Ian Raisbeck

4th April

Yesterday the band performed at the National Youth Finals at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the most prestigious completion for youth bands in the UK. The band put in a brilliant performance and finished 3rd behind winners Smithills Brass, and JAG Mount Charles Youth Brass in 2nd, both very good bands.

This was the last time I will be eligible to play in this competition and I was delighted with the bands performance which could have won the competition in many other years. 3rd place is a well deserved result for Nigel and all involved in the band who have worked so hard to produce yesterdays performance.

Ian Raisbeck

25th March

Saturday 20th March saw the Youth Band, the Junior Band, two quartets, and several of the bands individuals taking part in the Newcastle Music Festival.

Neil Raisbeck won two first prizes, sister Sarah won a first and second prize, and Alex Holsgrove won two second prizes. Lions Youth Brass won their section as did the Lions Junior Brass.

Perhaps the surprise of the day came in the quartets where Ian Raisbeck masterminded a really musical performance with youngsters Daniel Keane, Tom Hancock, Neil Raisbeck and Alex Holsgrove to beat The bands other quartet made of of principals from the band.

To round off a really personal success story Neil Raisbeck won the prize for the most promising player in the festival.

Nigel Birch

17th March

Last night the youth band were fortunate enough to recieve expert advice from guest conductor Nick Childs (Black Dyke Band). Nick took the band through the set test piece for the national finals. The band benefited from his advice on playing in general and we all hope it can happen again in the future.

The band are very busy at the moment preparing for the Newcastle Music Festival this saturday as well as the national finals in Manchester and forthcoming concerts.

Ian Raisbeck

8th March

Congratulations go to Nikki Burnham (solo horn) who has won a BBC Fame Academy Bursary of £1200 towards buying a Sovereign Tenor Horn, well done from all at LYB.

Sarah Raisbeck

3rd March

The Youth band were treated to sectionals by players from the Fodens band last sunday in preparation for the forthcoming national finals next month. The players Mark Wilkinson, Richard Poole, Helen Tyler, John Barber and Toby Hobson took sectionals before joining with the band for a full rehearsal. Thanks go to Fodens for once again providing help with the Youth Band.

Ian Raisbeck

17th February

The beginner bands Musical Director Vicky Gardener gave birth to her first child last weekend, the baby boy weighed in at 5 pounds and has yet to be named. All the best to vicky and the new arrival.

Ian Raisbeck

8th February

Today was the first major event of the year as the Youth band took part in the Preston Guild Hall contest. The band finished 2nd which was a great achievement considering it was a contest debut for many younger members.
The band now work towards Newcastle festival and the national finals next month.

Ian Raisbeck

24th January

I can announce that a date has been confirmed for the Lions Youth Brass' 15th anniversary concert. The event will take place on May 15th, it is also confirmed that Ian Porthouse will appear as guest soloist. Ian is one of the countries leading cornet players and will be well worth seeing.

Other news is that Nick Childs will conduct a Lions Rehearsal in March, Nick currently conducts the Black Dyke band and will be assisting Lions in our preparation for the National Finals.

Ian Raisbeck

16th January

Congratulations are due for Neil Raisbeck who has just received news that he will be a member of the first ever National Childrens Band of Great Britain. Neil who plays horn auditioned a while back and has just heard the news, good luck for the course.

Ian Raisbeck

15th January

Last Sunday members of the 3 bands joined together to raise money for the youth bands forthcoming trip to prague. The members paid to play bingo at the broughton arms with all proceeds going towards the trip. I'm pleased to announce that £400 was raised which will benefit the cause very well. Thanks to all who attended.

Sarah Raisbeck

4th January

Happy New Year, the bands year has just kicked off with rehearsals for the forthcoming contests.

You can view last years 'review of the year' by clicking here. We also have a page that may interest past players of the band regarding our plans for a Reunion this year.
Best wishes for the year ahead
Ian Raisbeck

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