BIG things are happening at Grange Moor!
There cannot be many bands that get back after a triumph, like Grange Moor's in Section Four at the Yorkshire Regionals on Sunday, to find the band room decorated by the villagers and a reception committee waiting to say: "Well done".
Then nothing would do, on Sunday night at about 9pm, than for the band to play a musical lap of honour through the village in the darkness!
With such enthusiasm, no wonder band secretary Marion Matthewman emphasises this is a fun band with a big commitment to the village.
Or that the unbridled success since the band came back to contesting 18 months ago has led to the old-timers warning the newcomers: "It isn't always like this, you know."
Since that first contest in the modern era in November 2002, the band has retained almost 100% of its players, although the band had to call in Michael Early for the Bradford contest.
Now they will be operating in Section Three next year, Grange Moor are again looking for a resident conductor. They've been advertising and have contacted all the major bands.
The new conductor will inherit a winning team and get a brief to develop that Grange Moor talent. Ring Marion Matthewman on 01484-605425.
As if all that were not enough the Grange Moor Concert Band was launched on Wednesday night of this week.
It's a commendable attempt to see that the remnants of the struggling Spen Valley Brass don't go to the wall.
They have merged the Spen Valley and Grange Moor musical libraries and the now Spen Valley MD Jeremy Parkinson and his players will use the Grange Moor bandroom.
The band will be for players of all ages and abilities in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere (beginners welcome) and it should be a feeder band to develop players for the contesting band.
