Skelmersdale Prize Band

Pie and Peas!: The band's last rehearsal before the Christmas break will be Monday 20th December. To thank the band for their hard work over the last year we are finishing an hour early (9pm) to enjoy pies, peas, mincepies...all for £1!. If you wish to join us for a chat and a laugh before the Christmas break please let us know by emailing us [email protected] or leave a message at the bandroom: 01695 722556 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01695 722556 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01695 722556      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01695 722556      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01695 722556      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01695 722556      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Players and partners, ex-players, and friends of the band and youth band welcome!

Congratulations Keith and Jackie: The band would like to send their belated congrats to band member Keith Sharples and his partner Jackie Neave on their engagement. Keith has played with the band for over 25 years! Keith has a wealth of knowledge and experience in brass banding and music in general, and alongside other longstanding members of the band he has helped us to maintain our reputation of having an astounding and rivalled bass section. We wish Keith and Jackie the very best of luck, health and happiness and hope to see them both very soon. Click here to view our current vacancies!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... The band played their first Christmas job of the season at Skelmersdale Concourse. Thanks to members of the youth band who came along for the experience and did very well! Next up is the lights switch on at Ormskirk.  Click here to see our events list.

Remembrance: Skelmersdale Prize Band and West Lancashire Youth Brass Band played at the Remembrance Day Parade in Skelmersdale. After the parade, members and supporters of both bands enjoyed pies and peas at the bandroom. It was nice to see Richie Maguire and Emma Wignall back and thanks go to them both. The band thank Linda and Evan for arranging the food and Kath Lyon for baking all the pies! A thanks and well done also goes to Roger Ford who did a great job of playing Last Post.

New Players: Skelmersdale Prize Band are pleased to announce Mr John Roberts as Musical Director. John, former principal cornet player of the band returns bringing with him a wealth of experience and commitment. The band are very much looking forward to working with him.
The band also welcome a trio of new players, click on the links to read the full story on 4barsrest or themouthpiece

Youth Band Workshops: Members of the band held another workshop for the youth band this half-term. This followed on from workshops held in the summer when we visited Chester Zoo. We are already looking forward to the Christmas Workshop! 

Listen to the Band!:Both the main band and WLYBB have started a very busy summer of concerts and other events. Check out our events page (or the list of upcoming events on the left) it'll be great to see you!

Brass Workshops:Youngsters from WLYBB and Birch Green Brass Band enjoyed two days of brass workshops ending in a team building afternoon at the Beacon. The afternoon was very well organised by Forest Schools and we enjoyed working in teams to build shelters amongst lots of other fun activities and games.

Well Done JP!: Band member JP Coulson walked 40 miles from Keswick to Barrow in a great time of 10 hours and 46 minutes...the pie and pint at the end must've been a good incentive! JP completed the challenging walk to raise money for the band and CICRA (Crohn's in Childhood Research Association). If you haven't already done so, please sponsor him by following the link Sponsor JP

Buxton Contest: After a great performance of Oceans under the baton of our new Musical Director Charlie Dickinson, the band had a great result in coming second place at Buxton contest! Well done to all the players and all the hard work you all put in. It was a debut for one of our youth band who has risen through the ranks, so congratulations to Bernice Coulson on tenor horn in her first of many contests and concerts!

40 Mile Walk!: On Saturday 8th May, band member JP Coulson will be walking 40 miles to raise money for the band and CICRA (Crohn's in Childhood Research Association). Please sponsor him as generously as you can. A sponsor form will be in the bandroom however if you wish to sponsor JP but are not a member of the band please email us. The band wish JP the best of luck and thank him and all who sponsor him.

North West Area: The band came 10th in the 3rd section at Blackpool. Although a disappointing result after all their hard work the band should feel very proud as they gave an excellent performance. Well done to all, especially our soloists who did a superb job.

The Skelmersdale Bands Story: The band are proud to announce the production of the book 'The Skelmersdale Bands Story' available to buy from the band for £5. The book gives an account of the history of the band from it's beginnings in 1878 and has had much input from several of our members. Also available is a CD recorded by the band selling at £8. 'Another Openin'' features the band performing well known pieces of music from film, theatre and television. If you wish to purchase either (or both!) of these products please email the band [email protected]

Announcement: We would like to welcome Charlie Dickinson as MD for the forthcoming North West Area contest

Farewell:  It is with regret that Skelmersdale Prize Band announce the departure of MD J ludden and solo horn Joanne Ludden. We wish them both well in their future endeavours and would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for all the hard work over the past couple of years.

Northwest Area Contest Blackpool! The band are busy preparing for the area contest playing the test piece Labour and Love. The contest is being held at Blackpool Winter Gardens, Sunday 14th March starting at 10.00. The band invites supporters and followers of the band on the coach for a great day out at a small nominal charge!

Great Performance at the GuildHall, Preston! The band came a very creditable 4th place in a tough section at the Guild Hall, Preston. Both the players and the MD came off stage thoroughly happy after the performance and looking forward to Blackpool with our hopes high.

Some good comments came from 4bars rest:

LATEST NEWS! The band are preparing for two contests coming up. First up is Preston Guild contest at the Guild Hall, Preston on 7th February. The contest sees the debut of another talented member of the youth band David Green on 3rd cornet. All his hard work and endless practice are now paying off, much to the relief of his parents!!!!

Next up is Blackpool contest on 14th March at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. The band are playing Labour and Love which is the set peice for the areas.