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History of Manx Concert Brass
Manx Concert Brass was formed out of what can only be described as a direct result of the Organisation's own success in promoting music for young people on the Island. As the years passed, more and more players (beyond the age of 19 years) expressed a desire to remain within the Manx Youth Band, causing the Band to have an extended age limit from 19 to 25 years.
Since its formation in 1995 Manx Concert Brass has competed in the North West Regional Championships of the National Brass Band Championships, enjoying many excellent results including becoming 4th Section National champions of Great Britain in 1996 and numerous top three finishes. Manx Concert Brass has qualified for the National Finals on four different occasions. In the last three years the Band has enjoyed prize winning results cementing their position in the upper echelons of the 2nd section.
The North West Regional Championships and the National Finals are not the only contests the Band has taken part in. They have played in the prestigious Pontin's Brass Championships coming 3rd in the 3rd Section on two occasions. The Band also took part in the Northern Open Brass Band Championships in St Helens in 1998, finishing 2nd.
Manx Concert Brass has also taken part in the Annual Whit Friday Marches around Saddleworth. In 2000 the Band came away with two 1st prizes and a 2nd prize at the contests where prizes were given for best 3rd Section Bands.
In November 2006 Manx Concert Brass made their stage debut joining the Legion Players at the Gaiety Theatre for their production of Paul Allen’s play Brassed Off. Based on Mark Herman’s multi-award-winning film, the show ran for three nights to appreciative audiences and brought the band many new admirers.
The Manx Music Festival has brought a great deal of success to the Manx Youth Band and Manx Concert Brass over the years. This year the bands combined to win all of the band classes as well as picking up numerous 1st and 2nd prizes in the solo, quartet and ensemble classes.
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