THE BANDS
SHIPSTON TOWN BAND
Shipston Town Band is the original town band and is a contesting band which in the past has enjoyed a string of successes in the contesting field. Recently promoted to the Third Section, the band enjoys a full engagement book and welcomes players who enjoy their contests and bandstands alike.
Conductor
Alex Bland, from Leicester, discovered his passion for the trombone at age 8 and quickly excelled, joining the Croft Silver Band at 10. His musical journey continued with the Leicestershire Music Service, where he became the principal trombonist for both the Symphony Orchestra and Big Bands, performing at renowned venues like Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
Under the guidance of Garry Sleath, he earned merits in Grade 8 tenor and bass trombone (ABRSM) and Grade 8 music theory before turning 17. Alex also contributed his talents to Youth Brass 2000, achieving the 1st trombone seat during his 4-year tenure.
After securing a place on bass trombone in NYBBGB, Alex enhanced his skills with lessons from world-class conductors. In Aberystwyth, he joined Burry Port Town and directed the university’s musical theatre society.
Following his studies in marine biotechnology, Alex played solo trombone with the Kirkintilloch band, winning the Scottish 1st section championships. He later held key positions in the Hathern, Foresters Brass, and Enderby Brass bands.
In addition to conducting opportunities, Alex has performed with professional orchestras and taught low brass for Leicestershire Music Service and Nottingham Music Service. He is currently the Musical Director for Syston Brass bands.
Rehearsals
Wednesday at 7.30 pm
SOPRANO CORNET:
PRINCIPAL CORNET:
Ass. PRINCIPAL CORNET
SOLO CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
REPIANO CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
3rd CORNET:
3rd CORNET:
FLUGELHORN:
PRINCIPAL Eb HORN:
1st Eb HORN:
2nd Eb HORN:
PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM:
2nd EUPHONIUM:
1st BARITONE:
2nd BARITONE:
PRINCIPAL TROMBONE:
2nd TROMBONE:
BASS TROMBONE:
Eb BASS:
Eb BASS:
Bb BASS:
Bb BASS:
PERCUSSION (Kit):
PERCUSSION (Tuned):
Anne Mercer
Paolo Pezzangora
Susan Snoxell
John Smith
Alex Bloomfield
Bob Pitts
Andy Smith
Karen Wears
Duncan Smith
Ann White
Darran Wheeler
Liz Smith
Mary Cox
Karen Pitts
Joe Cheshire
Neil Hobson
Eugene Gratwohl
Sarah Pimblett
Rawdon Donovan
Willoughby Pantling
Position vacant
Ken Smith
Adrian White
Position vacant
Position vacant
Calum Morby
Robyn Hunt
STOUR CONCERT BRASS
Stour Concert Brass is the ‘new kid on the block’ founded by conductor David Birch, the brass band has proved highly successful with players and audiences alike. The band welcomes players of all abilities and proves the next stop for players after their early training, as well as experienced players as an alternative to contesting. The band meets every Friday evening and fulfils a full engagements calendar throughout the year.
Conductor
Chris Brown, Head of Music at Chipping Norton School, got into brass banding by accident.
As well as being a teacher and now a brass band conductor, Chris is also an accomplished church organist and pianist, and accompanies Wychwood Chorale, based in Chadlington.
Rehearsals
Friday at 7.30 pm
SOPRANO CORNET:
PRINCIPAL CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
REPIANO CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
3rd CORNET:
3rd CORNET:
3rd CORNET:
FLUGELHORN:
PRINCIPAL Eb HORN:
1st Eb HORN:
2nd Eb HORN:
2nd Eb HORN:
PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM:
2nd EUPHONIUM:
1st BARITONE:
2nd BARITONE:
PRINCIPAL TROMBONE:
2nd TROMBONE:
BASS TROMBONE:
Bb BASS:
Eb BASS:
PERCUSSION (Kit):
PERCUSSION (Tuned):
Bob Pitts
Bob Pitts/Rebecca Coates
Laura Holme
David Llewellyn
Andy Smith
Julia Hall
Chris Powley
Caroline Banks
Anne Witts
Roger Rippin
Chris Bown
Mike Butler/Meg Boswell
Mary Cox/Karen Pitts
Norma Begley
Angie Weaver
Ian Hall
Eugene Gratwohl
Gordon Sharp
Sarah Pimblett
Tim Banks
Otto Gil-Keeling/Rufus Gallagher
Sandra Butt
Richard Barker/Tibor Kethelyi
Pete Brudenell
Ken Smith
Martin Snape
Position Vacant
Shipston Training Band
Kevin Pitt is now Musical Director of the Training Band, guiding members through a structured and supportive programme designed to develop musical skills at every level. From the first steps on a chosen instrument to learning how to play confidently as part of an ensemble, Kevin provides expert tuition, encouragement, and musical direction. The band focuses on coaching and mentoring within a group setting, helping players build technique, musicianship, and confidence. Enthusiastic support is given to those new to brass playing, and once ready, members can progress between bands, each offering different musical opportunities.
There are no charges for membership—just a commitment to regular home practice and attendance at rehearsals. For those without their own brass band instrument, the band offers instruments on free loan, with music and rehearsal facilities also provided at no cost. The mentoring group’s guidance is included, ensuring every member has the resources they need to succeed.
Kevin Pitt is a professional trombonist and teacher with a long and distinguished career in orchestral, theatre, and education work. He studied at the Birmingham School of Music (now the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire) and performed widely as a freelance musician before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1990, where he played in productions and musicals for over 25 years, including Matilda. Alongside performing with orchestras such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the English Symphony Orchestra and having, at one time, been trombone tutor to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Kevin has been trombone teacher at various schools, including Rugby, Malvern and Bloxham. He currently provides tuition for the Shipston Town Band Academy.
Rehearsals: Sundays at 4.45 pm – 6 pm
Shipston Brass Ensemble
Shipston Brass Ensemble is a welcoming group open to all brass players from our main bands. We explore a diverse repertoire, ranging from informal and popular tunes to more traditional pieces. With an emphasis on accessibility and fun, we infuse each performance with our unique brass flair, breathing new life into contemporary hits and timeless classics alike. Join us for an enjoyable musical journey where everyone’s contribution is celebrated.
SHIPSTON TOWN BANDS' COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN:
SECRETARY:
TREASURER:
BAND WELFARE OFFICER:
CONTEST SECRETARY:
TRUSTEES:
Paolo Pezzangora
Tom Evans
Jane Carter
Karen Pitts
Darran Wheeler
Liz Smith, Jane Carter, Karen Wears
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
SOCIAL COMMITTEE:
LIBRARIANS:
Sandra Butt
Joe Cheshire
Liz Smith
Sarah Pimblett
Callum Moorby
Tim Banks, Bob Pitts