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 Ilkeston Brass and Syston Brass bands.
Rehearsals
Wednesday at 7.30 pm
SOPRANO CORNET:
PRINCIPAL CORNET:
Ass. PRINCIPAL CORNET
SOLO CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
REPIANO CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
2nd CORNET:
2nd/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):
Position vacant
Paolo Pezzangora
Susan Snoxell
Anne Mercer
Andrew Bonnie
John Smith
Bob Pitts
Andy Smith
Karen Wears
Duncan Smith
Alex Bloomfield
Ann White
Darran Wheeler
Liz Smith
Mary Cox
Karen Pitts
Joe Cheshire
Keith Hudson
Eugene Gratwohl
Position vacant
Alex Jeffery/Tom Evans
Rawdon Donovan/ Claire White
Position vacant
Ken Smith
Adrian White
Peter Brudenell
Position vacant
Calum Morby
Eleanor Smith
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
Nigel Hall has been involved in Brass Bands on and off since 1976, and although he no longer plays, he keeps his hand in by way of the “3 C’s”: Conducting, Compering and Composing (although more arranging these days!).
Nigel took over from founder David Birch as MD of Stour Concert Brass in July 2023 and is enjoying working with the players.
Nigel is currently Chairman of the Oxfordshire & District Brass Band Association and is also a member of the London & Southern Counties Regional Committee.
Rehearsals
Friday at 7.30 pm
SOPRANO CORNET:
PRINCIPAL CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
SOLO CORNET:
REPIANO CORNET:
2nd 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:
Bb BASS:
Eb BASS:
PERCUSSION (Kit):
PERCUSSION (Tuned):
Bob Pitts
Kieran Bown
Bob Pitts
Rebecca Coates
Position Vacant
Andy Smith
Caroline Banks
Anne Witts
Zofia Ciepalowicz
Chris Bown
Position Vacant
Mike Butler
Mary Cox, Karen Pitts
Norma Begley
Angie Weaver
Eugene Gratwohl/Alan Birch
Keith Hudson/Alan Birch
Gordon Sharp
Tim Banks
Rufus Gallagher
Sandra Butt
Richard Barker/Tibor Kethelyi
Pete Brudenell
Chris Brown/Alan Robbins/Ken Smith
David Ball
Jo Smith
Shipston Training Band
Alec Banner is now the resident leader on rehearsal nights, guiding members through a structured format to develop their skills. From those first tentative steps on a chosen instrument to learning to play as part of an ensemble, Alec provides instruction and support. While the band does not offer individual lessons, it focuses on coaching and mentoring members as they progress. Enthusiastic encouragement is given to individuals with little experience in brass music, helping them build confidence. Once ready, members can choose between bands, each offering unique 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.
Alec’s own journey began with the Training Band, where he played cornet before joining Stour Concert Brass. He later developed a passion for percussion, performing with Shipston Town Band and Shirley Band. In 2018, he joined the National Children’s Brass Band where, on his last course, he became Principal Percussionist, then progressed to the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in 2021. By summer 2024, Alec had joined the world-renowned Flowers Band, making his contest debut at The Royal Albert Hall, where the band was crowned Champion Band of Great Britain. He also serves as Principal Percussionist for the Orchestra of the Swan Youth Orchestra and the Warwickshire Wind Band as well as Youth Brass 2000.
Rehearsals: Wednesday at 6.15pm-7.15pm
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:
MINUTES SECRETARY:
REGISTRATION/CONTEST SECRETARY:
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
Liz Smith
Tom Evans
Jane Carter
Eugene Gratwohl
Darran Wheeler
Sandra Butt
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
COMMITTEE MEMBER:
SOCIAL COMMITTEE:
LIBRARIANS:
BAND WELFARE OFFICER:
TRUSTEES:
Andy Smith
Mike Butler
Claire White
Tim Banks, Bob Pitts
Karen Pitts
Liz Smith, Jane Carter, Karen Wears