Carlton Brass

Carlton Brass are delighted to welcome Chris Banks as our new Musical Director. We’ve been busy with auditions for this position over the last few months, and have been lucky to see four very talented prospective conductors. Chris, in particular, impressed us with his enthusiasm, musical knowledge, and ability to enhance our performance.

Chris has a long history in the brass band movement. Growing up in the old West Riding of Yorkshire he’s played with some great bands; Besses O’ The Barn, Blackburn & Darwen, and Jaguar Landrover have all enjoyed his contributions. He started conducting at a young age – only 21 – with Ripon City Brass Band and has continued to conduct alongside his playing since. He’s waved the baton for several bands in the Midlands – most recently Ibstock & Matlock – and we are very much looking forward to having him direct us, starting after our summer break.

His first rehearsal will be on Monday 7th August, where he’ll be working on our upcoming Bolsover Entertainment Contest programme along with some music for our other engagements in September. We have a wedding to play at on the 2nd September, followed a day later by the Radcliffe Village Show on the Sunday. It’ll be great for Chris to dive straight into a busy time for the band.

We have spaces available for new players too, so if you’d like to see what we’re about then do please come along for a blow. We’re currently looking for solo trombone & baritone, Repiano & back row cornets, and Eb Bass. You can make enquiries via our contacts page.

We would like to thank all applicants for the role. We have had some fantastic rehearsals during this process, and all should be proud of their efforts.

We would also like to thank Dai Maplestone, Kevin Holdgate, Graham Jacklin and Tony Wilson for covering conducting duties this summer. We’ve had quite a year, and we wouldn’t have been able to keep going without you, along with Geoff Hawley’s encouragement and expert concert programming.