Band News

All the latest news and information from Rode Hall Silver Band:

Celebrating the Incredible Women of Rode Hall Silver Band

On International Women’s Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women of Rode Hall Silver Band, past and present, who have shaped our band and continue to inspire us with their dedication, musicianship, and passion.

Brass banding used to be a male-dominated tradition, but times have changed and we are proud to be a band where women play a vital role both on and off the stage. Whether leading sections, mastering complex percussion parts, supporting the band behind the scenes, or bringing their energy and enthusiasm to rehearsals and performances, the women of Rode Hall Silver Band are at the heart of everything we do.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we also acknowledge the generations of women who have helped throughout the history of the band. From those who first broke barriers in brass banding to those who continue to champion the next generation, we are grateful for the lasting impact they have made.

To all the brilliant women in Rode Hall Silver Band—thank you for your talent, dedication, and the spirit you bring to our music and community. The band wouldn’t be the same without you.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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Rode Hall Silver Band victory at NEMBBA

Following a successful period of appointing new players and a new Musical Director, Rode Hall Silver Band emerged victorious from the North East Midlands Brass Band Association (NEMBBA) contest, held on February 16th 2025 at the Post Mill Centre in South Normington.

Under the baton of their new Musical Director, Ken Mackintosh, Rode Hall Silver Band delivered a captivating performance of the test piece "Arkansas" by Jacob de Haan. Their performance, adjudicated by Mark Wilkinson, Principal Cornet player with the world-famous Foden's Band, clearly impressed and took first place, despite playing off the fateful first band on position.

The band's hard work and dedication over recent months paid off, culminating in this well-deserved victory and sets the stage for the upcoming North West Area Championships at Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

Adding to the band's accolades, their Principal Cornet player, Anna Whitehurst, won the coveted "Best Soloist" prize.

2023/24 Rode Hall Silver Band Awards

On Saturday night, members of the Rode Hall Silver Band gathered for a slightly belated celebration of the 23/24 contest and concert season and to recognise some outstanding individual contributions from our band members.

AwardAward Winner
Rising StarSeren Bates
Most Improved PlayerPhoebe Wright
Pierpoint Trophy (Best Soloist)Brian Rogers
Band Managers AwardEd Gillespie
Graham Tilley Trophy (Bandperson Of The Year)Dave Giannasi
Long Service AwardJoseph Whitehurst (5 Years)
Phoebe Wright ( Years)

Musical Director Appointment

Rode Hall Silver Band is pleased to announce that, after a series of successful rehearsals and a great concert performance, we have appointed Ken Mackintosh as our new Musical Director.

Given the alignment between his vision and the band's aspirations, the band has decided to conclude the application process early and will not be accepting any further applications. The band would like to thank all those who expressed interest in the position.

We are excited to begin this new chapter under Ken’s leadership and look forward to continuing our journey of musical presentation and development.

For more information and updates on our upcoming events, please continue to visit our website.

The Passing Of Graham Tilley

It is with deep regret that Rode Hall Silver Band announce the passing of our longest serving member Graham Tilley today. Graham has been a very valued member of the Rode Hall Silver Band for over 60 years and he will be sorely missed by all his friends at the band. Our sincerest condolences to his wife Claudette and his loving family.

Rode Hall Silver Band is now a Registered Charity

The band committee is very excited to announce that we have been awarded charitable status in recognition of the part it plays in supporting community activities in South Congleton and North Staffordshire. This is the culmination of months of work by the committee ensuring that all requirements of gaining charitable status would be met. In our 180th Anniversary year, this opens an exciting new chapter for the band during which we aim to increase our fundraising activities in our drive to promote education in, and appreciation of brass band music amongst people of all ages. Our registered charity number is 1171502.