Final Summer Concerts Approaching - 1 September 2010
It will be the last chance to see the band in action at the forthcoming concerts at Snibston Discovery Park and Spittal Park, before the end of the Summer Season.  On 11 September, the band will be at the Discovery Park at 2:30pm.  Earlier they will lead the parade and the Training Band will take centre stage at 12:00 noon.  It's free to enter the park, so why not come along and see the attractions at this annual event.  On Sunday the band will be appearing at Spittal Park, Castle Donington for their Music in teh Park Event.  The band will be taking the stage at 12:45pm until 1:45pm.. 

Joe Jacklin to join the Royal Marines Band Service - 14 August 2010
Joe Jacklin, the band's lead percussionist for the last five years, is to join the Royal Marines Band Service on percussion in September.  It's a great achievement as percussion positions rarely become available and are much sought after.  Joe is looking forward to his basic Navy training, before taking up his musicians post in Portsmouth, where the three-year training programme will teach him to become a Royal Marine Musician.  It's a sad and proud time for the band, who will be losing one of their finest players, but we wish him well for the future and a fine career.  Joe's final concert will be at Kenilworth Park on 29th August.  Looking out for you on the telly, Joe.  Good Luck. 

Tickets on Sale for Extravaganza Concert - 22 March 2010
Get your tickets now for the band's annual Extravaganza Concert.  This year's gueats are the Ashby School Wind Band and the event promises to be a sell out.  Call Joan on 01530 831446 to secure your tickets. 

Another Good Show at the Area - 9 March 2010
It was another solid performance that keeps the band safely in Brass Band's second division.  Although the prospect of promotion loomed, the band missed out by one point finishing 6th on the day and 3rd overall.  Building on success at Butlins the band will take up fourth position going into 2011. 

Butlins Kicks Off A Hopeful 2010 - 24 January 2010
The band took a credible seventh place at this year's Butlins Festival of Brass and secured first place in the Mineworkers Festival element of the competition.  Playing 'Folk Music', the set test was hard going, but the band pulled through in fine style to secure the prize.  Silverware on it's way back to Leicester.

Milli's Delight at Leicester Success - 5 October 2009
Milli Jacklin, the band's Flugel player, was delighted to pick up two first prizes in the Leicestershire Brass Band Association's Slow Melody Contest yesterday.  She took first place in the Under 16 Slow Melody category and the Junior Sight Reading classes.  There were other notable performances from Jack Rudin, who took third place in the same Slow Melody class and the Band's Quartet who managed a courageous third place as well. 

Proms at The Palace - 26 September 2009
The Band's Proms at The Palace took place at The Palace Community Centre, Ibstock on Saturday.  It was a full house who enjoyed the band's performance, opening with Amazonia, followed in quick succession by Harry Jame's Trumpet Concerto (Soloist Nick Lear) and Swing When You're Winning.  A good variety of first half music included Czardas (soloist Steve Barham) and concluded with the Finale from William Tell.  The second half was full of traditional English Music which brought the audience to it's feet for a fitting set of Proms music, concluding witha rousing chorus of Land of Hope and Glory.  A nice evening was had by all. 

Get on Facebook - 21 September 2009
Leicestershre Co-op (Snibston) Band has their own Facebook page.  Become a fan of us and you'll be able to see pictures from our events and receive regular updates on concert dates etc.  Follow the Facebook link and join us today.

Simple Gifts Reviewed - 1 September 2009
Simple Gifts was reviewed for the recently issued Summer edition of the National Association of Brass Band Conductor's magazine, 'The Conductor'.  Steve Pritchard-Jones, who wrote the review, was full of praise for the quality of the final product, the guest soloist, the new composition, 'Aeolia' and the band's playing.  The review will appear shortly on their web site.

We've Got a New Band Room - 24 August 2009
The Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band are pleased to announce they have moved into a new band room.  The band is now located closer to it's roots, in the Springboard Centre, behind the clock tower in the centre of Coalville.  This is just a stones throw away from the band's Snibston Colliery roots.  Joan Ball, the band's secretary said, 'It's like coming home.  We're right back in the centre of Coalville where we belong.  The management of the Springboard Centre have been really helpful in accomodating us and we're really proud to be back.'  Graham Jacklin, Musical Director said, 'It's a great facility.  We can now run our training band from the same location as the main band.  It really brings things together.  The band has a great future now.  It's a real step forward.'

Summer Newsletter - 7 July 2009
Check out our latest Newsletter for reports, features and where to see the band in 2009.  If you would like to receive a regular copy, either by post or email, drop us your details here.

Marching at Hebden Bridge- 22 June 2009
The weather, the town, the bands and the company were all perfect for a great day of music making in Hebden Bridge.  The band attended the March Competition for the first time on Sunday and it turned out to be  really relaxing way to spend a summers' weekend.  Scoring 184 out of 200, there was no disgrace in an area of the country boasting more bands than anywhere else.  Pictures are in the Gallery.

Melton Park- 15 June 2009
The band were in fine form, giving their first of two concerts this year at Melton Park.  This years' summer programme went down a treat with the audience, which swelled to well over 150, in the balmy afternoon sun.  The second concert is scheduled for 23rd August.

2010 Concert Date Announced- 1 June 2009
Following the success of the Brass and Voices Concert held on 9th May 2009, the band are pleased to announce a follow up concert on 8th May 2010.  The concert is expected to be held at the Ivanhoe Community College, subject to availability.  The format of the concert has not yet been finalised, but with idea's developing, you can bet on something different.  Graham Jacklin, the band's MD commented, "I think it's important to do things different.  This year we were lucky enough to have two local choirs join the band and we preformed a world premier!  What I can promise is something completely different for next year.  Our aim is to entertain and, as many of our audience will be returning, we should supply something different from the previous year.  That's my aim and the band's aim.  Watch this space". 

Aim for Change - 22 May 2009
The latest in a line of charity supporting events, saw the Band appear at the Dixie School in Market Bosworth, in support if a local charity 'Aim for Change'.  The charity supports projects in Africa. Aim for Change is a charity that began by providing cows for Kokoa a small village in Uganda. Their work has now spread to a variety of sustainable livestock projects in over 40 villages all over the country. They are supporting orphans in Kampala, the Amazing Grace school and a house for street children in Mbarara, in the South West.  The Band were pleased to be supporting the charity and gave a fine performance to a small, but very enthusiastic audience.

Standing Room Only - 10 May 2009
There was standing room only at 7:30pm on 9th May at Ivanhoe College, as the Brass and Voices Concert kicked off.  An estimated 260 people witnessed the concert which has become the talk of the town since.  From Jubilee Overture to Cwm Rhondda, the audience were entertained for two and a half hours and no one went home disappointed.  Full report here.

1, 2 & 3 at LBBA Slow Melody Contest - 5 April 2009
Sam Scutt and Graham Jacklin took first place in the Duet class at the Leicestershire Brass Band Association open solo & quartet competition.  In the same class, Nick Lear and Richard Capstack were second.  Other prizes went to Steve Barham, picking up second in the open air varies and a third in the slow melody class.  Other notable performances from Milli Jacklin, 4th and Harry Lear 5th.  Also taking part were Bethan Brown, Jack Brown, Marina Slee, Francis Gallimore, Lucy Capstack, Joanne McDonald, Jack Rudin and Iain McDonald.
Click here for the full report.
Details of all the results can be found on the LBBA web site.
Photos of the day can be found here

Featured on Phoenix FM - 31 March 2009
Two tracks from 'Simple Gifts' were featured on Chris Helme's Sunday Bandstand programme, broadcast on Phoenix FM on Sunday 29th March 2009.  Phoenix FM is a Halifax based community radio station and for the band to be featured on a station on the heart of the Yorkshire Area is a real honour.  Phoenix feature a 'listen again' facility via their web site and you can listen to the whole broadcast here courtesy of the internet.  'This week Halifax, next week the world on the Internet'

Simple Gifts flying out of the box - 27 March 2009
Only ten days into the release of 'Simple Gifts', the band are pleased to announce the first 100 sales have already been made.  And, the band have taken their first on-line sale with a new shopping feature made available on this web site for both the CD and Concert tickets.  With the Brass and Voices now confirmed, the final touches are being put to the programme, which will include a number of tracks from 'Simple Gifts', including the World Premier of ex-Ashby School student, Chris Tagg's, Aeolia.  Get you tickets now so you don't miss a little history in the making.

Simple Gifts Released - 16 March 2009
'Simple Gifts', the band's first and long awaited CD is released today.  There has been much excitement following the delivery of the CD's, just in time for Mother's Day, 22nd March.  At just £5.00, the CD is great value for money, featuring the Band on fine form, as well as their Guest Soloist, Jamie Cooper, from Grimethorpe.  Also featured is a brand new contemporary work, written for band and rock rhythm called 'Aeolia' and composed by Chris Tagg, the band's tuned percussionist.

Strong Showing at Regionals - 15 March 2009
Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band attended the Regional qualifying Championships at Bedworth Civic Hall.  Off a number two draw, the band made a good showing with both quality and consistency throughout.  Unfortunately too many minor blemishes robbed them of a top three placing, but nevertheless sees them at the top of League Two in 2010.  Promotion and a place in the finals may have escaped them this time, but watch out 2010.

Open Rehearsal Invitation - 3 March 2009
Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band will be holding an open rehearsal at The Rangers Club in Thringstone, near Coalville on Saturday 14th March, 5:00pm until 7:00pm.  The band will be rehearsing and performing the test piece'New World Sketches', ahead of  the following day's Regional Competition taking place at Bedworth Civic Hall.  All are welcome and admission is free.

Sounds good at NEMBBA - 23 February 2009
It was fifth place at this year's North East Midlands Brass Band Association contest.  Not a fantastic result, but a good solid showing, from the Band, of this year's Regional's test, 'New World Sketches'. Unfortunately the band's show was short of some vital percussion effects, essential to the texture of the piece.  This was confirmed by the adjudicator, David Horsefield.  With those parts secured for the Regionals at Bedworth on 15th March, the band are looking good.

Band Signs Trombone Ace - 3 February 2009
Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band have signed Trombone 'Ace', Nick Walker ahead of their assult on this year's Midland Regional Competition.  Nick is a school teacher at local 'Ashby School' where he is a music teacher.  Previously Nick was a trombone player in the Marines Band and has played in concerts around the world.  Musical Director Graham Jacklin said, "This is a real coupe for the Band.  Nick played on our recent CD recording and having a player of his quality really lifts, not only the trombone section, but the whole band."

No Picnic at Butlins - 19 January 2009
It wan't exactly a picnic for the band at the Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Festival, with a rather dismal 18th place.  But, said Graham Jacklin "It's been a great experience and I was really pleased with the way the band played.  We've made a lot of changes over the last 8 weeks and I think they're really going to pay off at the Area contest.  We've got a good sound developing now, but need to work on ensebble and some of the technical aspects of playing.  There's plenty to go at, and more rehearsal time available.  We're really looking forward to Derby and the Area."

Line up for Brass & Voices Concert Confirmed - 27 December 2008
The band are delighted to confirm the names of the two choirs who have accepted invitations to join them in their Brass & Voices Extravaganza Concert on the 9th May 2009, to be held at the Snibston Discovery Park.  The Coalville Male Voice Choir and the Loughborough Male Voice Choir will both be the band's guests.  Graham Jacklin (MD) said, "The Choirs acceptance is really appreciated.  Not least of which the band's roots include both Coalville (Snibston) and Loughborough (Charnwood).  I hope this will be a long relationship with both organisations, which can leverage our appreciation in both these area's of Leicestershire".

Mountsorrell Christmas Concert - 10 December 2008
With Christmas fast approaching, it was time for the annual concert at Mountsorrell.  With an audience of over 200, the band entertained.  It was a variety concert which not only featured the band, but other local groups and hosted by the Chairmal of the Parish Council, Brial Allard. The band included  the Christmas items 'Savoy Christmas Medley', Christmas Song' and John Golland's 'Christmas Overture' as well a 'Valdres March' and Pirates of the Caribbean' from the forthcoming CD release.  More pre-orders for the CD due for release in January.  Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the traditional encore, 'Merry Christmas Everybody'.  We're sure it will be!!!!!!!!!!!

Parklands Coop Concert - 26 November 2008
Right in the middle of contest preparation, we entertained our main sponsors, The Coop Member Relations with a short concert at Parklands Leisure Centre.  With the exception of Christmas, it was the last opportunity for the band to close down the concert season and give a final airing to some to the 2008 programme.  The Concert, which included items from the recent recording, went down a storm, with several tens of members pre-ordering copies of the forthcoming CD.  They won't be disappointed with their slightly late Christmas present!

Variations on a Ninth, not a Winner - 25 November 2008
There was no prizes this time round at either Leicester or Leamington, but there were some lessons to be learned.  Don't play hard test pieces in an own choice competition.  That was the very consistent message from the adjudicators at both contests.  Gilbert Vinter's Variations on a Ninth is definitely a hard piece of music, more suited to Championship Section playing.  Nevertheless, after a disappointing performance in Leicester, the band were on form in Leamington, with a very rewarding performance and great soloists all round.  It might not have been a winner, but has given everyone a great satisfaction in achieving performance standards.  Graham Jacklin(MD) said, "We need these opportunities to develop and push to improve.  It's all too easy to put out an easy test piece at this point in the season.  We don't aim to peak until March, just in time for the Area".

Contest Season - 27 October 2008
Contest season is upon us and, with little more than three months to the 2009 Regional Qualifiers, it's time for the band to turn it's attention to Competition.  In November, the band will be at Leicester and Leamington, both local Association Contests.  In January, it's off to Butlins and a weekend away, with all to play for in the big money league.  Feburary is another local Asscoiation, this time in Derby.  The second weekend in March is the Regionals.  If you want to see where we are in the National's Tables, look no further then here.

It's in the Can - 20 October 2008
After a marathon 15 hours of recording time, the band has completed it's first recording.  And pretty much everything went to plan.  Saturday's session included some familiar favourites, with the full band in fine form, recording Jubilee Overture and Pirates of the Carribean, to name just a few.  Sunday's session was reserved for the Band's guest soloist, Jamie Cooper, recording in fine form.  The band then recorded Chris Tagg's new composition 'Aeolia'.  It seemed to take forever to get the balance of the Rock Rhythm section in harmony with the band sound, but eventually it was there.  One final bonus, Jamie and Chris joined forces, re-recording 'Over the Rainbow', this time with Cornet and Piano.  A bonus track which was one to remember and applauded by the band onlookers.  Now it's off to the editing suite and another tense wait.  Full report and photo's.

Final Rehearsal Countdown to CD - 15 October 2008
With just a few days to go, the final countdown to the Band's first CD recording, is underway. Everything is set, booked and ready.  The final programme will include a brand new work 'Aolia' composed by the band's percussionist, Chris Tagg, and features a Rock Rhythm section.  Jamie Cooper, from the world famour Grimethorpe Colliery Band, will be joining the session on Sunday to perform 'Over the Rainbow' and the 'Harry James Trumpet Concerto', as well as a special 'Bonus Track' which is being kept top secret.

LBBA - Groby Slow Melody Contest - 5 October 2008
A large number of Leicester Coop senior and training band members attended the annual LBBA slow melody competition at Groby Community College. A great day of fun was had by all and several awards were gained by both young and the more senior players.
Details of all the results can be found on the LBBA web site.
Photos of the day can be found here