NEWS STORIES
Keep up to date with the latest news from the band.
Euphonium Virtuoso Steven Mead visits Derby Leisure and Events Venue
24th March 2023
The band is so excited to announce a concert with the brass band legend Steven Mead.
Steve will be joined by the band on the 14th may for an afternoon extravaganza.
Tickets sold here on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rolls-royce-derby-band-presents-an-afternoon-with-steven-mead-tickets-595850644317?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse&keep_tld=1
Hurry though, tickets sell fast. We would love to see you there!
Early 2023 Contesting Success
28th February 2023
Kicking off 2023 as we intend to continue - with contesting success!
The band took its first win since returning to 2nd section at the North East Midlands Brass Band Association contest, performing Rodney Newton's 'Pilgrim's Progress'.
Narrowly beaten by an on-form Foss Dyke Band with a splendid performance of the same, Rolls continued with a 2nd place finish at the Midlands Regional Area Contest, qualifying for the National Championships for the first time since 2019.
Can the band continue it's run of success at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in September?
Special Announcement!
31st January 2024
After an amazing 18-year stint at Rolls Royce (Derby) Band, Graham Cardwell has announced due to increasing work commitments his intention to hang up his conductor’s baton and take a temporary break.
Graham took over the band back in 2006 when they were in the 4th section and guided them as high as the 1st section. Under Graham’s stewardship the band have won numerous entertainment and test piece contests including being crowned Midland 3rd Section Champions in 2017. Under his leadership the band has qualified for the national finals on 4 separate occasions.
Beyond that success however is the atmosphere he has created in the rehearsal room, a positive and warm space that has allowed players to relax at the end of a busy working day and thrive musically. Over a quarter of the band that reached the 1st section were with the band in the 4th section, and well over half in the 3rd section.
Will Howarth Chair of the band commented “obviously we’re incredibly disappointed to lose Graham’s leadership but understand and respect his need for a break at this time. We’ll miss his music input but have no intention of losing his friendship - we’ll definitely be staying in touch!”
Commenting on his decision Graham said, “Rolls Royce has always been a fabulous bunch of musicians and I have made many long-standing friendships during my time with the band. I leave the band with many great memories and happy experiences and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Graham will be looking to sign off in style at this year’s Midland Area finals, and his final concert with the band will be at St Marks Church in Burton on Trent on the 5th of April.
RETURNING TO CONCERT - JAN' 2022
30th November 2021
Kicking off 2022 as we intend to continue - performing in concert!
We begin our first concert back post-COVID with an evening of film and show music at the United Church of All Saints, Stanley Common.
Ticket details are displayed on the poster to the right. Further details can be found on the Upcoming Events page, or by clicking the poster.
Hurry though, tickets sell fast. We would love to see you there!
VACANCY: 2ND BARITONE
9th November 2021
After a busy few months back in the bandroom we are on the search for a new addition to our band, ready to tackle Gilbert Vinter’s “Spectrum” at the 2022 Midlands Area Contest!
As well as our contest schedule, the Rolls-Royce Derby Band undertakes a wide range of performances, including hosting our own concerts in the local community.
Our rehearsals are Monday evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm at our bandroom located at the Rolls Royce Leisure Association, Derby, DE24 9HY.
Click the image to enquire!
WEBSITE RELAUNCH
24th October 2021
This weekend we celebrate the launch of our new website!
Take a browse around and let us know what you think - feedback is always welcomed.
WE'RE REHEARSING AGAIN!
24th May 2021
After over a year, chomping at the bit to rehearse and play music with our fellow bandmates, we're back at it!
Following COVID risk assessments means we're limited to quintet and sextet rehearsals, but we'll take what we can get.
We're excited to be back! Hopefully, we'll be performing at a concert near you later this year! Hope to see you there.
MIDLANDS AREA REGIONAL BRASS BAND CHAMPIONS 2017!
11th March 2017
On Saturday 11th March 2017 the band took part in the Midlands Area Regional Brass Band Championship playing Darkwood by Dan Price.
After months of preparation and full attendance at rehearsals the band took to the stage feeling that the piece was as much under figure as it could be and with fantastic results at the LBBA and Bolsover Contest that their luck could final change when it comes to the Areas.
Playing 14th on the day there wasn't long to wait until the results came in and what a result it was.
The whole band and all their supporters are absolutely thrilled and to put the cherry on top we can look forward to the 2nd section next year as our win brought with it promotion.
A special thank you to our MD Graham Cardwell who without his expert guidance and determination we wouldn't be the band we are today. We thank every member of the band but we must thank the players that have joined us this year to make our ranks full, Yvonne Redfern on Flugel, Peter Sutton on Trombone, Aby Flynn on Repiano, Mark Tanser on 2nd Cornet and Heather Dunn on 3rd cornet. Although Peter couldn't play on the day his support along the way was fantastic.
LBBA CONTEST - 1ST PLACE!!
20th November 2016
On Sunday 20th November 2016 the band took part in the Leicester Brass Band Association Open Contest and went on to win! Their performance of Music For a Festival was scored the best on the day beating tough competition. It came as a shock as the band were still celebrating the Best Soloist win for their Principal Cornet player Andrew Sharpe! Two more trophies to add to the shelf in the band room.
BOLSOVER FESTIVAL OF BRASS - 3RD PLACE
2nd October 2016
On Sunday 2nd October 2016 the band took part in the Bolsover District Council Festival of Brass. We put together a wonderful set of pieces and performed well on the day to secure a 3rd place Trophy (out of 11 bands that took part). A special thanks to our Principal Cornet player Andrew Sharpe who performed Love on the Rocks by Neil Diamond, he must of only just missed out on the soloist prize as it sounded superb!
BATTLE OF THE BANDS - 1ST PLACE REPS CHOICE AGAIN!!
12th June 2016
On Sunday 12th June 2016 the band took part in the annual Battle of the Bands hosted by ICCB. They put on a varied entertainment programme and came away with the rep choice shield as voted for by a representative from each of the participating bands. This means we have retained the award from last year!
NEW UNIFORMS!
15th October 2015
The band have recently purchased new uniforms for all of it's members. We used www.yourlogohere.co.uk and are pleased to look so smart!
LBBA CONTEST - 3RD PLACE
22nd November 2015
On 22nd November 2015 the band took part in the annual Leicester Brass Band Association Contest. Out of 12 bands that took part in the 3rd section the band were thrilled to take away 3rd place. A tough test peice, Oceans by Goff Richards really tested the whole of the band and everyone felt proud of the performance on the day.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS - 1ST PLACE REPS CHOICE
14th June 2015
On 14th June 2015 the band took part in the annual Battle of the Bands competition hosted by Ireland Colliery. We were very happy to be awarded the shield for 1st place reps choice - chosen by representives from each competing band. Good result everyone!
MIDLANDS AREA CONTEST SUCCESS
7th March 2015
We are thrilled with our performace and result of 4th at the Midlands Area Contest on 7th March 2015. With a full band of our own players and great attendance at rehearsals our hardwork paid off. Hopefuly the start of a strong 2015
Appointment of new Musical Director - Adrian Lacey
2nd May 2024
Rolls-Royce Derby Band are delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Lacey as their new musical director.
Adrian brings a wealth of experience as principal cornet with The Staffordshire Band for many years, and latterly playing with Grimethorpe.
Commenting on his appointment Adrian said “I’ve watched the band’s progress for a number of years and I’m excited to join the band at this time and look forward to a long and successful relationship”.
Chair of the band Will Howarth commented “we were fortunate to have a number of exceptional candidates, but were really impressed with the immediate connection Adrian made with the band and we look forward to tapping into the experience he brings to the role”
