Band excel under first female musical director

The Co-operative Milnrow Band is celebrating after being placed eighth at the Brass Band Spring Festival in Blackpool – under the direction of its first ever female music director.

Over the past two years the Championship Section Co-operative Milnrow Band has improved tremendously, progressing to the Senior Trophy and Senior Cup competitions. This year they contested for the Grand Shield – the final hurdle for qualification to appear in the British Open Championship to be held at Symphony Hall Birmingham later in the year.

Prior to the Blackpool festival the band and committee agreed that a “push” was needed and to this end they obtained the services of its very first ever female Musical Director Mareika Gray.

The band’s secretary Ken Watts, said: “Over the weeks before and on the contest date Mareika`s enthusiasm, expertise and good nature were evident as she guided the band through an intensive rehearsal schedule.

“The contest item for the Grand Shield was Hermann Pallhuber`s little known
‘Titans Progress’ thought even by the adjudicators to be a most difficult piece in which even the best would struggle.

“[The] Co-operative Milnrow Band were drawn to play number 15 of the 20 bands scheduled and although this was a big occasion, Mareika had the band members in positive but relaxed mood which showed in their rendition of the test piece.

“Each member of the band played their part in a refined and in the most part controlled performance and with fine accompaniment to the soloists, Donna Towse (Solo cornet), Joanne Ward (Flugel), Aaron Rifkin (Euphonium), Mike Thewlis (Baritone), Kenny Pain (Soprano), Chris Binns (Trombone), and Fran Thewlis (Tenor Horn) and although there were some “critiques” of a constructive nature the overall result was brilliant and above the average expected.”


Mr Watts concluded: “onwards and upwards.”