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York RI Golden Rail Band is a non-contesting brass band based in central York
We are a versatile brass band and play a wide range of engagements, from outdoor concerts in the grounds of stately homes and beautiful parks and gardens to marching for Remembrance Day and memorial concerts. We play on bandstands from Pocklington to Goole and have played prestigious venues including York Minster, Joseph Rowntree Theatre and the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM). We love playing community concerts, whether it's a village Christmas carol concert or to boost your local fete or fayre.
For the latest news about the Golden Rail Band, please go to our News area.
There are some band photos in the gallery below, but for the most up-to date pictures & videos, please visit our Facebook page and our YouTube channel.
York bands to make 'Beautiful Noise' for charity
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An “entertaining and surprising”
introduction to brass music is promised by two of York’s brass bands, who are
coming together to make a ‘Beautiful Noise’ at Bootham School.
Some of Bootham’s own brass
students will also be joining York RI Golden Rail Band and Shepherd Group
Concert Brass Band for the fun, family-friendly concert on Sunday 12 May, profits
from which will be donated to York Against Cancer.
The bands will demonstrate the
many styles and genres that modern brass bands play, with an emphasis on pop,
soul, funk, movie theme tunes and songs from musicals.
“From Chaka Khan to Chicago, and Robbie
Williams to Elton John, this concert has got something for everyone – except, on
this occasion, traditionalists,” said Golden Rail Band’s conductor Nicholas
Eastwood.
“Sunday afternoon brass band
concerts tend to be known for marches, hymn tunes and overtures, and, while we
like playing those too, we’re going for a different kind of vibe.”
Mike Pratt, conductor of Shepherd
Group Brass Band, said: “This is about giving people an entertaining - perhaps
even surprising – taste of the different music brass bands can play.
“Prepare to be up and dancing by
the end of it!”
At a time when brass bands around
the country are struggling to find enough players, both bands have a
more-than-full complement, testament to the popularity of the brass band
culture in York. The Golden Rail Band, based
near York station, are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, while the Shepherd
Group brass bands are marking their 20th year under the sponsorship of Shepherd
Group.
Beautiful Noise, Sunday 12 May, 3-5pm, Bootham
School. Tickets £10 (concessions £5) from www.ticketsource.co.uk/yrigrb or on the door.
Golden Rail Band celebrates 40th anniversary with special recording
Golden Rail Band is marking its 40th anniversary this year with a programme of special concerts and events.
First up is a recording for East Leeds-based Chapel FM's brass band show, From the Bandroom - which, of course, took take place in the York RI bandroom at Queen Street in York.
The band played a concert programme devised by MD Nicholas Eastwood and former players were invited to join in.
"It was a great opportunity for a bit of a reunion, especially before the old bandroom gets demolished," said Nick.
"I really enjoyed conducting it - we made a powerful sound with that many players!"
Terry Suthers remembered
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We are sad to share news of the death of Golden Rail Band
player Terry Suthers, who passed away at home after a long illness on 24 March
2024.
Terry, who joined Golden Rail in 2012, was coaxed back to
the cornet and brass bands (an early passion) following an encounter with brass
players at a ‘Late Learners’ jazz workshop at the National Centre for Early
Music in 2011.
He soon became a stalwart on the back row, contributing
enthusiastically to the life and music of the band. Together with Golden Rail
Band players Bruce Jackson and Kate Lock and composer David Lancaster he formed
Brassed On York, an organisation promoting brass band events. They staged the
Proms in the Gardens on the York Mystery Plays stage in the Museum Gardens as
part of the York 800 celebrations in 2012 with York Railway Institute Band and
Shepherd Group Brass Band. The team subsequently co-ordinated brass band
concerts across the region for the Tour de Brass as part of the Yorkshire
Festival in 2014, including a Yorkshire Prom with the world-famous Black Dyke
Band.
In later years, Terry switched instrument to the euphonium,
which he enjoyed playing as part of a quartet with fellow musicians Bruce
Jackson, Chris Stockton and John Stuart, something that continued to give him
pleasure, company, and solace during his illness.
Terry was well connected, much respected, and well loved,
professionally and personally. A conservator and archaeologist by training, he
had been Director of the Yorkshire Museum, Assistant Director and Head of
Public Services at the national Science Museum, and the CEO and director of
Harewood House Charitable Trust in Leeds. He became Deputy Lieutenant for West
Yorkshire in 2005 and was awarded an MBE for his services to museums and
heritage in 2011.
“Terry Suthers was the epitome of the word ‘gentleman’,”
said Nicholas Eastwood, Musical Director of Golden Rail Band. “He always knew
what to say, and in such a positive, caring way, full of verve and enthusiasm.
The selfless time and effort he put into everything he did leaves a legacy that
we can be truly grateful to have been a part of.
“He will be dearly missed by us all at Golden Rail Band.”
The band were honoured to be asked by his wife Delma to play
for Terry’s funeral, which was held in the Quire of York Minster on Thursday 25
April at 2pm. (Special thanks to members of York RI Band and Shepherd Group Brass Band for supporting us.)
York RI Golden Rail Band, and York RI Development Band are constituent parts of York RI - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registration number 1165513