Band History
Early Beginnings
The Gresley Colliery Youth Brass Band formerly known as the Gresley Junior Band was formed in the Autumn of 2002, when a group of players in the Gresley Old Hall Brass Band volunteered their time to offer local youngsters the chance to learn a brass instrument and to rehearse as part of an ensemble.
In those early days response was excellent with a regular group of around 15 youngsters meeting each week. What some may have lacked in musical training in those early days, they more than made up for with enthusiasm and made rapid progress to the point where the band was taking to the stage in public with the senior band within a very short time.
Under the guidance of their Musical Director Fay Bayliss, the Youth Band went from strength to strength gaining in number to 20, with members of the group moving up to become members of the senior band—a tremendous achievement.
In 2014 The youth band gained a new Conductor and continued to move on from strength to strength, under the baton of Duncan Jackson their Principal Senior Band EEb Bass player.
During this time they achieved significant success playing music more challenging than in previous years, performing in competitions and in more concerts in its own right. They also during this period started to feed the Senior Band with players – demonstrating just how advanced these players had become.
Today
With a much increased size, the band continues to build on their successes under the battons of Martín Bullock and now more recently Dan Milner. Dan the current Musical Director brings a wealth of experience to the band. Growing up playing cornet in The Salvation Army where he attended church with his family; MD of the Derby Salvation Army Band; he was pivotal in establishing the Gresley Band links and concerts with the SA in Derby, and now brings his expertise to these very talented musicians.
With mentions recently on BBC Radio and with further concerts planned the future of both the youth and senior bands looks very bright indeed!
The Youth Band practice every Thursday between 6.30pm and 8pm. If you are aged between 8 and 21 and think you’ve got what it takes then get in touch. We will be pleased to see you.
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| Gresley Colliery Senior Band Bass Trombonist Fay Bayliss | Gresley Colliery Senior Band EEb Bass Duncan Jackson | Gresley Colliery Senior Band Senior Percussionist Martin Bullock | Gresley Colliery Youth Band Musical Director Dan Milner |