Swinton and District Excelsior Band

Nigel Sutherland

Nigel began playing cornet at the age of 8, under the excellent tutelage of Les Maw BEM with the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, and at the age of 12 was the North of England Solo Champion in the 12-14 age group.

He stayed with the band for over 23 years, apart from brief sojourns with Scarborough Town Band and British Steel (Teeside), playing in every position (apart from Principal Cornet) from Soprano down to 1^st Horn, whilst the band climbed from the 3^rd to the Championship Section.  

After a short break from playing in the early ‘90’s he was persuaded onto Flugel Horn with Stape Silver Band, soon moving to the Principal Cornet seat.  

In 2002, and having ongoing dental problems, Nigel decided to try to fulfil some of his banding ambitions. He was invited to play at the Championship Section National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall with Hull-based East Yorkshire Motor Services Band on Wilby’s fiendishly difficult “Masquerade”.  

Briefly returning to Stape Band, he was soon offered the opportunity to play with the famous Yorkshire Imps; playing numerous times at the All-England Masters, Brass in Concert and the British Open contests as well as the country’s most difficult Regional Contest, the Yorkshire Area. During his 4 years with the Imps he played regularly on the BBC’s Listen to the Band and CD recordings, as well as prestigious concerts all over the country.  

Unfortunately by 2006 his dental problems had become too severe to maintain his high standards. Not wanting to leave the family atmosphere of the brass band movement he enrolled on maestro Ray Farr’s conducting course, studying at Durham University where, upon completion of the course, Ray offered him a place on the Universitie’s MA in Conducting, which, sadly, he had to decline at that time.  

Returning to Stape Silver Band, this time as conductor just for the local Malton Contest, they were rewarded with five out of the six possible prizes off the dreaded No.1 draw.  

Since that time, apart from taking rehearsals with other bands, he has been associated with the Swinton and District Excelsior Band taking them for the 2007 Malton Contest and most recently the 2008 Regional Championships; achieving a creditable, mid-table 8^th with the band on their return to national competition.  

Impressed by their commitment and attitude Nigel accepted the position of Musical Director in April this year. 

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For more information, bookings etc, please contact the Band Secretary:

Mrs.  D. Ratcliffe,
77 Commercial Street,
Norton,
Malton,
North Yorkshire,
YO17 9HX

Tel:  :(+44) 01653 - 694344

This page was last updated 23/05/2008