Who we are

Swinton & District Excelsior Band is based in Swinton, a small village near Malton in North Yorkshire. The band was formed in 1936 by a group of ex-bandsmen living in Swinton who wished to resume their musical activities. The first engagements for the band were during the Christmas period, raising funds for instruments and music.

The band has progressed throughout its sixty-five years of existence and now numbers about 40 playing members and a learners group of 18 whom we hope will carry on the growth and improvement of the band. Ages of members range from Primary School pupils to players who have played throughout the band's history. While many of our young players leave the band when they leave school, many go on to play in other bands all over the country or even overseas.

The band is a member of the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association, and we take part in a couple of contests every year, alongside our busy programme of concerts during the summer months. Currently we are in the Third Section and play in the Northern Area. We are a registered charity with no sponsorship or membership fees, relying entirely on donations and money from engagements to finance the band. Membership and all tuition are free, as is the loan of instruments and uniforms, and new members are always welcome .
The main band meets regularly in the Bandroom in Middle Street, Swinton on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7.30 till 9.30. This includes a notional 15 minute tea-break to enable the essential gossip, debate and chatter. When the band is working for a contest, additional practices take place either in the bandroom or elsewhere.
Throughout the summer, the band plays at least once most weekends, though we try to keep August free for members holidays. Summer engagements range though Church services, garden fetes, bandstand concerts and carnivals, while December sees intensive carol playing indoors and out.
Playing in Swinton Band is much more than a hobby. For most of its members it is a way of life--in fact for some members it is their life. Members meet formally at least twice a week but informally all the time--it's less like a club than an extended family. As well as making music the band seizes any opportunity to get together. As well as the annual band dinner, barbeques, parties and brewery trips are regular features of the band's calendar, with occasional trips out bowling or to the cinema.
The learners group meets on Saturday evenings from 6.00 till 8.00 at the Bandroom for individual lessons and group practice. Learners of any age are welcome, whether or not they have played an instrument before. Tuition is given by senior members of the band.
Currently we are actively seeking experienced players to fill gaps left by members going away to university. While all are welcome we would be particularly glad to hear from front row cornet and euphonium players!