Our Past -

Our Orchestra stands alongside the independent steel bands of the World. We are just as they are, in that our formation was the idea of just two people who, along with the support of some of the parents and charities we raise money for, brought together their children and formed the basis of the Orchestra in November 1985.

The charity involvement lives on and regular gigs are played so as to ensure a steady flow of money is given to the charity we collect for (The Royal Manchester Children’s Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Trust). Over one hundred musicians have passed through the senior group over the past 25 years and added their own individual mark upon the aura of the Orchestra. The original founders may have moved on, but the motto we have held since the beginning still remains "We Not I".

Our Present -

2011 proved to be another successful year which kept all the players and parents very busy right through to Christmas with many of our regular venues revisited as well as several new ones that we hope to include again during 2012. We lost nothing through weather and enjoyed good weekends for our annual visits to the Cumbria Steam Gathering at Flookburgh, and the Yesteryear Rally at Malpas, Cheshire. In August, the Orchestra was successful in being awarded a £500 grant from the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund. This has been put to good use towards funding a new White Pearl drum kit to enable us to take our main kit into the practice room, where it has replaced the first ever kit we had donated back in 1985. We have also used some of the grant to help fund a replacement five piece set of Bass pans from Toussaint Clarke.

The highlight of 2010 was our 25th Anniversary in November. We held a big party for all players past and present, and managed to get 68 of the 101 who had played in the Senior Orchestra at some time in its twenty five year history, as well as three of our expert musical directors. Facebook is a great way to keep the players in touch. The current group played a first session and then all comers were invited to see how much they remembered. Its amazing what’s still in the grey matter and a lot gave it their all. It was magic night that those who have been around for many years found quite moving. Many want to do it again in another 25 years but it will need different organisers by then.

The Orchestra also worked hard during 2010/11 with our licensed charity collections for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Trust, as we have since 1985 in several North West shopping precincts and several other donations from supporting organisations. The total donated to date now stands at over £42,000. Outside of our main charity work, we also supported a number of other charity events during the year including, Cancer Research UK.

There have been some changes in the line up of the Orchestra over the last twelve months and we are now 31 strong and have plenty of players available, even when some are working or on holiday. It will be good for the summer’s busy schedule, which is kept up to date alongside as we progress through the year, with more details if you click on the locations. 2012 will find us all over the north of England and, even though we are saving up to replace our old minibus, we have arranged another tour of Torbay and other towns in Devon and Cornwall again. This will be our seventh visit to the area since 1996 and we are all looking forward to meeting familiar faces at the various daytime and evening venues. The full schedule will be on the site as soon as its firmed up. You can always come and see us at our many venues and keep in touch through the website.

Our Future -

With a stream of up and coming players in our Junior Section we are always guaranteed a solid playing force. Last September we brought in 20 new young players and the majority of them are still in our Junior section and doing well. Let the future bring what it may, we are well prepared! Our future is dependant on a constant influx of new talent and our Junior orchestra is the perfect place for them to develop their skills as artistes.
Steve Marshall now looks after the teaching with some help from experienced players. The learning curve can be steep but well worth the effort for those who are prepared to put in the work. The Junior section practices every Monday night at Hazel Grove Primary School in Stockport. For further details please contact us.