Rode Hall Silver Band

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Rode Hall Silver Band have been making music in the South Cheshire area since 1837. We are a '4th section' contesting and entertainment band with a strong 'social side' and welcoming atmosphere. The band rehearsals take place in our own band room in Scholar Green (Near Congleton) on Thursday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

(It's quite easy to find us. Just get to the centre of Scholar Green (On A34 between Congleton and Stoke) and turn into Church Lane opposite the only shop in the village. The bandroom is 100 yards on the right. )

June 2008 - Vacancies in the band

Our principal cornet, Matthew White is taking a few months off (to complete the long list of DIY jobs in his house that have been put off for many years due to banding!) and so the band is now looking for a principal cornet player. We also have vacancies for Flugel Horn, Eb Bass and percusionists. If you are interested in joining our very sociable band then contact Mike McCann on 07905 280124 or email him at michael_mccann@lineone.net

June 2008 - Band recieves financial backing

Like waiting for a bus....two come at once. After many years without substantial funding Rode Hall Silver Band are 'over the moon' at the generosity of both Congleton Town Council and Congleton Enclosure Trust for their kind support. The band is now financially in a good position for the coming year to fund new uniforms, some new intruments and provide support for young players in the area who wish to start playing brass instruments. Anyone in the Congleton area who wishes to start playing a brass instrument should contact the band for information on loaning an instrument and recieving tuition. We are particulary keen to encourage young players who have an interest in becoming part of the brass band 'fraternity'

June 2008 - Some great performances at Whit Friday Contests

Last year the band peformed well at the annual Whit Friday Contests in Tameside, but this year was even better with the band finishing 30th out of over 100 bands. The full results can be seen at http://www.tameside.gov.uk/brassband/whitfriday/2008/results

Some pictures from the event can be seen below (courtesy of Steve Twemlow)

Windows Live Spaces

Febraury 2008 - A trip to Venice is confirmed !

Following our well recieved concert in Leek in November 2007 we have been invited to Este, near Venice (Leek's twin town) to play during their annual "Eurofest' Carnival. The trip, in early October, will be the bands first performance on foreign soil.

Congratulations go to Emma Ford (our ex-player and long suffering cornet dep) on the completion of her Pole-dancing course !!

December 2007 - End Of Year Celebration

2007 came to an end with members of the band celebrating at The Woodlands Pub in Congleton. The evening commenced with a slide-show of pictures taken during the year accompanied by appropriate music. Our Chairman (Dave Rigden) then handed out awards to deserving players (some serious, some not!) and the evening finished with a 'race night' at which the big winner was Emma Ford ! The evening raised £80, bringing to a close a Christmas period that saw the band raise over £800.00 playing carols throughout December.

Click the picture above to see a few pictures from the event

September 2007 - A social extravaganza!

Rode Hall Band is know for its active social side as well as its music and the past few weeks saw two great events that enabled players to relax after a busy 2 months of musical engagements. At the end of August a trip to Blackpool was enjoyed by a select few who braved the bank holiday crowds to enjoy some fresh air and fun ! Earlier this month we enjoyed a trip to Heaton Park to listen to the Halle orchestra playing some rousing music from the classical repetioire. The pouring rain didn't dampen our spirits (we kept the lid on the bottle!) Pictures from these 'outings' can be seen HERE

July 2007 - A new conductor arrives (as well as a new chairman)!

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the band has a new conductor. Following the band's AGM last week band members voted for Ron Holt to be the new conductor with immediate effect. Ron has had many years' success as both a top class Euphonium player and conductor and we look forward to a long and happy relationship between us.

The AGM also saw a change in band chairman. Matthew White, who has been Chairman for many years moves to the position of Vice President and Dave Rigden takes over as Chairman.

Our new 'maestro' - Ron Holt

July 2007 - A wet BBQ

Following the cancellation of this week's 'band in the park' job due to bad weather it was decided that rain might stop play on the bandstand but not in Mike & Sarah's band garden ! A fine BBQ in the pouring rain was followed by an alcohol induced 'jam session' which lasted well into the 'wee hours'

Click the picture above to see more from the soggy BBQ

June 2007 - A wedding in the band?

Well..... not exactly - but Steve Twemlow's daughter was married last weekend in Congleton and 10 band members played at the church and then enjoyed a great night at Cranage Hall. Steve would like to thank all members of the band that perfomed. Pictures from the evening are shown below (courtesy of Janice)

Click the picture above to see more from Steve's daughters wedding

June 2007 - Whit Friday Contests

WOW! What a day !!! The band attended thos years Whit Friday Contests in Tameside for the first time and had a most enjoyable social day out. Playing JJ Richards' 'The Waltonian' the band got round 7 venues between 4pm and 11pm - more would have been possible if we had missed out Mosseley where we decided a one hour wait would allow time to re-hydrate! Thanks must go to Ron Holt - who conducted us for the evening, Rob, Becky and Kevin - our 'deps' for the night and to Shamus - our band runner and photographer. On the return journey the players indulged themselves with 2 litres of the band cocktail named 'Death or Glory' (and Scott found out where his alcohol tollerance limits are!). Here's hoping the band make a return visit next year.

Click the picture above to see more from the fantastic day!

April 2007 - Daneside Charity Concert

Rode Hall Silver Band played superbly along with Wychcraft Big Band at the first (hopefully annual!) charity concert in aid of Christie's Hospital. Playing to a packed theatre the bands put on a concert of jazz and swing music - raising nearly £2,000 for the charity.

Matt plays 'The Lazy Trumpeter' - click the picture to see more !

March 2007 - St Stephens Concert

Could I personally thank all those who played at St Stephens Church tonight. It was a 'nerve-wracking' experience for me as I really don't enjoy public speaking, but the band played superbly - the best I have heard in a long time; it was a real pleasure to conduct you. I would also like to thank Emma and Steve for standing in at the last minute to fill empty seats. As a result of tonights performance I am really looking forward to conducting you again on the 14th April. Thank you.

March 2007 - Conductor resigns

Stewart Thompson today announced that he wishes to resign as conductor of the band following the dissappointing result at the recent Blackpool contest. The committee will now actively seek a good quality replacement to continue the bands recent progress. In the meantime Mike McCann and Matthew White will take rehearsals for what is hoped will be a short time. The band would like to thank Stewart for all his hard work over the past 3 years and wishes him every success in his future ventures.

March 2007 - Area Contest in Blackpool

The band once again made the trip to Blackpool to compete in the North West Area Brass Band Championships. In keeping with the tradition of the band they went with the intention to play as well as they could and at the same time have an enjoyable weekend away (which they certainly did!). The band improved substantially under the instruction of Ewan Easton, Steve Pritchard-Jones, Roy Sparkes and Stewart Thompson and are looking looking forward to returning next year to take part once again. Pictures from the event can be seen by clicking the image below.

Matt, Sarah and Steve enjoying a great day in Blackpool - click the picture to see more !

January 2007 - Band Engagement List Updated

Please take a look at the 'engagements' section of the site to see the updated list of forthcoming events. Tickets for the Sat 14th April concert in aid of Christie's hospital are on sale now at £5 each - to order your tickets call Mike McCann on 07905 280124. Seating in the theatre is limited to 300 and it is expected to be a 'sell out' so book your tickets early !

A sunny day outside Rode Hall in 2003 (Click to enlarge)

To Contact the band : Webmaster : Mike McCann - michael_mccann@lineone.net - 07905 280124 Chairman : Dave Rigden -DaveRigden@aol.com 01270 666678