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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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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Lions Return to Congleton Park!

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 for supporting us for the last 33 years, without this… Read More

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We Stand with Ukraine

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

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National Youth Championships 2022!

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 band work, Dave Chapman’s ‘A Saddleworth Suite’, featured great percussion… Read More

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