York Railway Institute Band is a contesting band, competing in the Second Section in the Northern Area of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

 

The York RI Band has had incredibly good successes in recent months under the direction of its Musical Director, Gordon Eddison. In 2010, the band were North of England 3rd section runners-up including best percussion, Tameside runners-up, 5th at the National Brass Band Finals and Northern Open Champions. 2011 was even better, being crowned the 3rd section champions at the North of England Championships. After a long arduous night, the band also competed at the Whit Friday March Contest and came away with one 1st place, three 2nd place trophies for the 3rd section and best soprano cornet in Grotton, beating several high flying bands such as Brighouse and Rasterick! They also qualified for the National Finals in Cheltenham, where they came (a slightly bizzarely placed) 9th out of 16 bands nationally.

 

Recently, the band played in the prestigious "John Barry Tribute Concert" at the Barbican in York. The band played various John Barry hits from his vast array of films, along with the Guildhall Orchestra and Steve Cassidy Band. The York RI Band also worked towards its annual "Bandstand Brass" concert at the York Theatre Royal on Thursday 17th November.

 

2012 has already been an eventful year. The band played at Butlins in January and marked their return to the 2nd section with a mid table finish, beating all the other North of England bands in their section. In March this was proved again (apart from one band!) when they came 2nd out of 8 bands, gaining qulaification to the National Finals for a third year running. As well as that the band also took part in the Holme Valley contest and came a creditable 5th place.

 

As for the next few months, well the band will be playing a variety of concerts throughout the summer and will be performing at Whit Friday again to win some more 2nd Section trophies!

 

The band currently does not have vacancies in the band, however if you are interested in playing within the band please see their website at www.yrib.org.uk and contact their secretary.