Concert for Alsager Lions

Just a few short weeks since our adventures at the Youth Champs (a.k.a. “Nationals”), all three Lions bands turned out in force to wow Alsager Lions with some fantastic performances. The Debut Band (ably assisted by the Academy band and a few helpers) took to the stage first, performing their programme from the Youth Champs. With Jamie at the helm and commentary from Charlotte, the band certainly gave a performance like no other. It’s sometimes hard to believe how young some of these players are. The Academy band was up next, also giving the crowd a taste of their Youth Champs America-themed programme, with a little extra in the form… Read More

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New Musical Director is Announced

We are very proud to formally announce Ian Raisbeck as the new Musical Director of Lions Youth Brass. “I am humbled to have been asked to follow in the footsteps of such an icon of the youth brass band scene in Nigel Birch. Lions has been a huge part of my life for the last 20 years, and I will put all of my efforts into continuing the work Nigel achieved for more than 30 years leading the organisation. I was fortunate to sit with Nigel only a few short weeks ago and discuss his hopes for Lions’ future, and I will endeavour to make his hopes come to reality.… Read More

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Nigel Birch

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lions Youth Brass Musical Director, Nigel Birch. No words could ever do justice to the amount of hours and hard work that Nigel put into our organisation. Nigel was our Musical Director for 35 years. He loved each young person that came through Lions as an individual and only ever wanted to see them shine. He enjoyed all concerts and competitions, but he absolutely loved going on tour, socialising with the players and getting to know them better. He cherished every moment spent with the committee, who he was very proud to call his friends. We send our… Read More

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New Musical Director for Lions Academy Band

We are very pleased to announce that we have appointed Peter McDonough as Musical Director of our Academy Band. Peter graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with Distinction in Euphonium Performance in 2019. Since then he has taught at many schools and ensembles including Weaverham High School, Chetham’s School of Music and St Helen’s Youth Brass Band. Peter is currently Principal Euphonium with WFEL Fairey Band and was recently awarded the prize for Best Euphonium at The British Open Brass Band Championships earlier this month. We are very excited to see what’s in store for our Academy Band!

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September is here!

After what feels like the longest summer break ever, Lions Youth Brass are back and preparing for a very exciting academic year! We have a jam packed year ahead of us and we can’t wait to share it with you! To see all upcoming events, please head to our events page. We welcome all young people to come and join Lions Youth Brass. No brass playing experience is necessary, just a willingness to try your hardest, and regularly attend rehearsals and playing engagements. Membership is £10 per month which includes the loan of an instrument, tuition and uniform. We have a progressive system which allows players to join as absolute beginners from… Read More

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Musical Youth 2022!

We had an absolutely brilliant day yesterday as we performed at the very first Musical Youth Event! Lions Youth Brass played alongside other fantastic musicians from Macclesfield Youth Band, Stockport Schools Brass Band, and the Junior and Senior Jazz Orchestras from Music for Life. It was such a pleasure to sit back and listen to other music groups whilst soaking up the sun and indulging in the delicious crepes! After all the music groups had performed we all came together for the Grand Finale! This was a real treat and a great way to showcase just how brilliant young musicians are. A big thank you to Tony Wyatt and his… Read More

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