top of page

A proud 145 year history since our formation in 1878

Established in 1878 Wetherby Silver Band has been performing for over 135 years. We are rightly proud of our heritage and our Band members display a true passion for performing live music. We are available for public and private events and have a superb repertoire of traditional and modern music.

Musical Director
Craig Ratcliffe

BMus (Hons), PGCE

Born in Wetherby, Craig Ratcliffe is well known across Yorkshire and throughout the world of education as musician committed to developing young talent and fostering a love of music in all. As a youngster Craig quickly developed a love of all things brass and started to learn the Euphonium at Wetherby Silver Band under the guidance of band stalwart John Scruton. He played with the band for several years before leaving to study music at Huddersfield University. Under the tutelage of Philip McCann, David Thornton and Barrie Webb Craig played for many of the area’s top brass bands whilst musically directing the Tewit Youth Band in Harrogate. During this period the band grew to over 100 members across 4 bands and nurtured
many musicians who have gone on to professional careers within music. In one of the most successful periods in the band’s history, Craig was Musical Director of the Harrogate Band from 2011-2014 leading them to become the North of England regional champions on 2 two occasions.

Craig is in demand as a Musical Director of theatre and the arts and works closely with a number of local organisations.

As Director of Music at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate for the last 11 years, Craig continues to drive music in a large and highly successful department with a national reputation for extra-curricular music and exam success. Beyond the world of education, he is an Artistic Director for the Harrogate International Youth Festival of Performing Arts and a trustee of the Harrogate International Festivals, the largest arts festival in the North of England.

Craig-Ratcliffe-MD-600x600-1.jpg

The Wetherby Silver Band Musicians

CORNET SECTION

Andrew Yomans PC_edited.jpg

Andrew Yomans

Principal Cornet

Nigel Franks PC_edited.jpg

Nigel Franks

Front Row Cornet

Position Vacant.png

James Butler

Front Row Cornet

Position Vacant.png

Position Vacant

Front Row Cornet

Position Vacant.png

Ross Simpson

Soprano

Position Vacant.png

Hannah Camp

Repiano Cornet

IMG_5861_edited_edited.jpg

Liz Lancaster

2nd Cornet

Position Vacant.png

Ronan Mascarenhas

2nd Cornet

Heather Cooper_edited.jpg

Heather Cooper

3rd Cornet

Position Vacant.png

Ella Simpson

3rd Cornet

Sarah Hambly.jpg

Sarah Hambly

Flugel Horn

HORNS, BARITONES & EUPHONIUMS

Eleanor Lee.png

Eleanor Lee

Solo Horn

Sarah Green.jpg

Sarah Green

1st Horn

IMG_5860_edited_edited.jpg

Vanessa Yeomans

2nd Horn

Jay Porter_edited.jpg

Jay Porter

1st Baritone

Position Vacant.png

Position Vacant

2nd Baritone

Donna Stride.jpg

Donna Stride

Solo Euphonium

IMG_5853_edited.jpg

Liz Edwards

Euphonium

TROMBONES, BASSES & PERCUSSION

Calvin Summersall-Frith.jpg

Calvin Summersall-Frith

Solo Trombone

John Hodgson.jpg

John Hodgson

2nd Trombone

Robin Stride.jpg

Robin Stride

Bass Trombone

Position Vacant.png

Simeon Lowe

Eb Bass

Position Vacant.png

Position Vacant

Eb Bass

Stephen Ramsbottom.jpg

Stephen Ramsbottom

Bb Bass

Michael Gilkes.jpg

Michael Gilkes

Bb Bass

Position Vacant.png

Lydia Hutton

& Milo Van-Parys

Percussion

Current Vacancies

If you are interested in joining the Band or would just like to come for a blow please contact us so that we can arrange someone to greet you.

The Band currently have vacancies for:  Front Row Cornet 

If interested contact Stephen Ramsbottom on 07759 983651 or e-mail: sjr315@hotmail.com

bottom of page