Girl power at Milnrow Band

Contrary to the belief held in some quarters that brass banding is still a male-dominated pursuit, the male members of the United Co-op Milnrow Brass Band are now in the minority! With the recent appoints of euphonium player, Leah Grebenar, and trombonist, Kate Salter, the band now boasts 14 female members.

Musical director, John Ward commented: “Although brass banding has moved on significantly from its early industrial roots, there are still some high-profile examples of all-male bands, such as Brighouse and Rastrick and Grimethorpe Colliery.”

He continued: “Milnrow has always had a number of ladies taking part in the band, but we think 14 might be a new record for us!”

The band has enjoyed its most successful year to date in 2009, with a prize in the notoriously competitive North West Regional Championship, a commanding victory at the British Open Championship qualifiers and finishing second only to the world-famous Black Dyke Band at the Denshaw Whit Friday March Contest.

The band’s MD was keen to point out that the recent recruits are not, by any means, a political statement: “The band simply tries to attract the best people or players for any vacancies. But it just so happens that the successful applicants have been ladies.

“The band is extremely happy with the recent signings, although with this assumed female-domination, I am not sure whether future male applicants will be incentivised or scared in applying!”