Established in 1878
Musicianship and Direction of the highest standard combined with a superb repertoire of traditional & contemporary music, for public & private events.
A proud 146 year history since our formation in 1878
Established in 1878 Wetherby Silver Band has been performing for over 140 years. We are rightly proud of our heritage and our Band members display a true passion for performing live music. We are available for public and private events and have a superb repertoire of traditional and modern music.
Musical Director
Craig Ratcliffe
BMus (Hons), PGCE
Born in Wetherby, Craig Ratcliffe is well known across Yorkshire and throughout the world of education as musician committed to developing young talent and fostering a love of music in all. As a youngster Craig quickly developed a love of all things brass and started to learn the Euphonium at Wetherby Silver Band under the guidance of band stalwart John Scruton. He played with the band for several years before leaving to study music at Huddersfield University. Under the tutelage of Philip McCann, David Thornton and Barrie Webb Craig played for many of the area’s top brass bands whilst musically directing the Tewit Youth Band in Harrogate. During this period the band grew to over 100 members across 4 bands and nurtured
many musicians who have gone on to professional careers within music. In one of the most successful periods in the band’s history, Craig was Musical Director of the Harrogate Band from 2011-2014 leading them to become the North of England regional champions on 2 two occasions.
Craig is in demand as a Musical Director of theatre and the arts and works closely with a number of local organisations.
As Director of Music at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate for the last 11 years, Craig continues to drive music in a large and highly successful department with a national reputation for extra-curricular music and exam success. Beyond the world of education, he is an Artistic Director for the Harrogate International Youth Festival of Performing Arts and a trustee of the Harrogate International Festivals, the largest arts festival in the North of England.
The Wetherby Silver Band Musicians
CORNET SECTION
Andrew Yomans
Principal Cornet
Nigel Franks
Front Row Cornet
James Butler
Front Row Cornet
Position Vacant
Front Row Cornet
Ross Simpson
Soprano
Hannah Camp
Repiano Cornet
Liz Lancaster
2nd Cornet
Ronan Mascarenhas
2nd Cornet
Heather Cooper
3rd Cornet
Ella Simpson
3rd Cornet
Sarah Hambly
Flugel Horn
HORNS, BARITONES & EUPHONIUMS
Eleanor Lee
Solo Horn
Sarah Green
1st Horn
Vanessa Yeomans
2nd Horn
Jay Porter
1st Baritone
Position Vacant
2nd Baritone
Donna Stride
Solo Euphonium
Liz Edwards
Euphonium
TROMBONES, BASSES & PERCUSSION
Calvin Summersall-Frith
Solo Trombone
John Hodgson
2nd Trombone
Robin Stride
Bass Trombone
Simeon Lowe
Eb Bass
Position Vacant
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Eb Bass
Stephen Ramsbottom
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Bb Bass
Position Vacant
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Bb Bass
Lydia Hutton
& Milo Van-Parys
Percussion
Current Vacancies
If you are interested in joining the Band or would just like to come for a blow please contact us so that we can arrange someone to greet you.
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The Band currently have vacancies for: Back Row Cornet
If interested contact Stephen Ramsbottom on 07759 983651 or e-mail: sjr315@hotmail.com