This year marks a very special milestone as Thorpe Hesley Brass Band celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Over the past four decades, the band has grown from a small school project into a thriving community band that continues to bring people together through a shared love of brass music.
The band was founded in September 1986 by Brian Copley, then headteacher at Thorpe Hesley Primary School. His original aim was simply to encourage children to learn and enjoy making music.
After working with a small group of young players on a handful of Christmas pieces, Brian hoped to put on a festive concert. However, he soon realised there weren’t enough musical items to fill a full programme, so he invited parents to form a choir and perform alongside the children.
That very first concert in December 1986 was a tremendous success, and from those modest beginnings the band went from strength to strength.
As the years passed, the band’s confidence grew in harmony with its membership. Young musicians developed their skills, friendships flourished and the band’s reputation spread well beyond the school gates.
They started entering National Schools Brass Band competitions, proudly reaching the national finals in London on several occasions. One of the highlights of those early years was the opportunity to perform beneath the famous dome of the Royal Albert Hall – a stage that many musicians only ever dream of gracing.
As the young musicians moved on from primary school to secondary school, many continued playing with the band until the age of 16, at which time they had to leave. However, three of the band’s founder members decided they didn’t want to leave – and two of them are still there over 30 years later.
Their determination to keep playing transformed the ensemble from a school band into a community band, ensuring that the music would continue long after school days were over.
Two of the trio are still there over 30 years later, including Kathy Attwood who now leads the band. She’s been involved since she was eight and her husband and teenage daughter are also members.
Today, Thorpe Hesley Brass Band is made up of musicians aged from 13 to over 60. While they no longer compete, the enjoyment of making music remains centre stage and the band regularly performs at concerts, community events and local celebrations.
To celebrate their anniversary, they are holding a special evening concert on Saturday 3rd October at Greasborough Church, with guest performances from The Sheffield Pipe Band and Scotland-based Melrose Pipe Band.
And if past concerts are anything to go by, then the audience is in for a surprise.
You might have an idea in your head about what brass band music is, but Thorpe Hesley is no ordinary brass band. Conductor Wayne Bostwick has helped them build a repertoire as varied as its membership.
Audiences are just as likely to hear Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life, Lady Gaga’s Poker Face, Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You, Franki Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You or even the YMCA and The Combine Harvester or as they are a traditional march or hymn tune.
It’s this mix of classics, pop favourites and feel-good anthems that keeps concerts fresh, entertaining and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
As the band celebrates four decades of music, it is also looking ahead to the next movement.
New members are always welcome, with particular opportunities for horn, cornet and trombone players, although musicians in all sections would receive a warm welcome.
Whether you’ve played in a brass band before, learned an instrument years ago, or simply miss the thrill of making music with others, there’s a seat waiting.
There are no contesting pressures – just the enjoyment of playing, improving and sharing music with a friendly group of like-minded people. Those who aren’t quite ready to perform are welcome to come along, join rehearsals and find their feet at their own pace.
They rehearse every evening Sunday from 6pm to 8pm at Holy Trinity Community Centre in Thorpe Hesley.
If you love brass music, why not come along and become part of the next chapter of their story?
Contact the secretary on 07523099978, visit their website or find them on Facebook.
40th Anniversary Concert
Saturday 3rd October 7pm-9pm, St Mary’s Church, Greasbrough, Rotherham S61 4DX
Tickets are £5 with under 12s going free, available to buy on the door.
