The Lions Debut Band is the starting point of the Lions Youth Brass organisation. The band accepts children, aged six and up, who are just starting on their journey to learn a musical instrument and grounds them in the basics of music before passing them onto the Academy Band.
Rehearsals are normally completed in a full band format, led by John Barber and Katie Raisbeck, with our excellent team of tutors taking out smaller groups to enable children to get more individualised attention. Rehearsals are hard work, however the ethos of the band is that music is a hobby and is to be enjoyed, meaning that sessions are also fun, with a good amount of laughter involved!
The band plays in a number of concerts each year with the other two bands. The band currently enters the National Youth Brass Band Championships in April. In 2016 the Beginner Band completed a hat trick of ‘Band with Most Potential’ awards at the Nationals, having won it in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Players are also encouraged to enter our annual Lions Fest solo competition.
The Debut Band’s prize winning performance at the 2015 National Brass Band Championships can be seen via the following link http://youtu.be/-mnTlTsSVCE
On Saturday 23rd March Lions Youth Brass took their three bands (71 young people) to Dean Close School in Cheltenham for The National Youth Brass Band Championships 2024, organised by Brass Bands England! Lions Youth Brass were the only organisation to enter a band into every section. Lions Debut Band Lions Debut Band, the starting point of Lions Youth Brass, entered the Besson Prodige Section. "The Besson Prodige Showcase Section is the Youth Champs’ non-competitive section, offering an opportunity to take part and contribute a great performance without the pressure of competition." The young players were delighted to walk away ...
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 ...
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 ...