The Academy band is the second stage in our organisation. In the Academy band you will take everything you’ve learnt in the Debut Band and use them to improve your playing skills and musical ability. The main aim in the Academy band is to prepare the youngsters for the Youth Band.

The Academy is proudly led by Peter McDonough, who is supported by his team of expert tutors.

The Lions Academy Band were crowned National Champions in the Elementary section at the National Youth Brass Band Championships 2022!

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 ...
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! ...
After three long years, we were absolutely thrilled to return to Congleton Bandstand for the the first time since July 2019! The afternoon featured all three of our bands, Debut, Academy & Youth and all sections treated us to a fun, summery programme. Special shout out goes to Jakob who performed his first solo with the band! This is always such a lovely event and this year definitely didn't disappoint as we looked out from the bandstand and saw a huge crowd with their picnics, family, friends and our four legged fans. We are so grateful to Congleton Lions Club ...
Today, Youth band parent, Rob is travelling to Poland to drop off donations to refugees who have had to flee from Ukraine. Thank you to all our players, parents, committee members and supporters who donated towards this very worthy cause. Here is a video of all three of our bands performing the Ukraine National Anthem ...
What a weekend...! Lions Academy Band First to play was our Academy Band in the Elementary section on Saturday morning.Programme:1. The Muppet Show 2. Londonderry Air - Soloist, Charlie Kearon 3. The Saddleworth Suite - Pots 'n' Pans, Grasscroft Ghoul & Friezland Fiesta 4. Abide With Me 4 Bars Rest said "Lions certainly had a gold hallmark about their set under conductor Tom Hancock, as they opened in a long line with the 'Muppets Theme' (with brilliant car horn soloist), before segueing skilfully into the euphonium solo 'Londonderry Air' played wonderful by 'Best Soloist' winner Charlie Kearon. Their original brass ...
Our annual Christmas concert is back for 2021 and it's one not to be missed! Come along and hear Christmas classics from all 3 bands (including the usual audience participation)!Price £5 or £3 for under 16's Tickets are available from:Tim Bramwell - 01270 766638 or timothybramwell@aol.comKeith Ludlam - 01270 762726 or keithludlam1@uwclub.netAlso available from The Market Tavern, Sandbach.Band parents will be able to purchase tickets on a Tuesday evening. This is our first performance to the public for nearly 2 years, where all our fantastic young players will be performing. The proceeds from the event will go back into the ...
Our Beginner and Junior band joined together on Tuesday night and enjoyed a fantastic hour of music making! The evening started with some singing and rhythm games led by Beginner band Musical Director, Jamie Sharp and then moved to the rehearsal of several pieces from a booklet called 'Playing in the Band'. Junior band Musical Director, Tom Hancock, gave some brilliant tips to our young musicians including how to stop and start together and how to stagger breathing between you and the players sat around you. The evening went so well that both Jamie and Tom decided that this wouldn't ...
Our brand new CD 'Reflection' is due for release this Easter! It features our youth, beginner and junior band with three additional tracks from our reunion band made up of over 50 past members! If you can't wait until Easter, we have included some sneaky little previews below. Enjoy! Lions Youth Brass Lions Beginner Band Lions Junior Band Lions Reunion Band Lions Reunion Band Lions Reunion Band ...
On Sunday 2nd December, Lions Youth Brass will be hosting its 13th annual Slow Melody Competition. This is a great chance for all members of Lions Youth Brass to showcase their skills. This year we welcome back Elizabeth Lawrence and Mareika Grey as our adjudicators with Fenella Haworth-Head as our piano accompanist. The last 12 years have been very successful with high participation from members and we're hoping for the same again. Please see attached entry form with all details on. Section times will be announced shortly after the closing date but will between 9.30am and 2pm. This year we will be featuring a family section which will allow brothers ...