As summer comes to a close, it's been a mixed one for us, filled with Music, COVID-19, Sea, Sand and sadly, some departures.

The end of July had us in Filey, playing at one of our favourite locations Filey bandstand. A sunny day and an excellent crowd, however not without complication as several players and even Alistair (our MD) were either away due to having COVID or isolated due to family members. Kyle (our training band MD) stepped up to take the baton, and the band performed well.

August saw the band participate in the Easingwold "Summer of Music" festivities, with the band playing several times in the Town. However, sadly again, one engagement had to be cancelled due to the effects of COVID-19.

Moving into September, this saw the end of our Summer program with a fantastic concert at Wistow Chapel, Selby. A virtually full audience in a venue with great acoustics always boosts a band's confidence. Unfortunately, a more sombre feel than we'd have hoped to be for a concert, being only days after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, however, we'd adapted with an appropriate and respectful program to honour our late Queen.

We said goodbye to some players at the end of our Summer engagements, along with our Musical Director, Alistair Shipman.

Alistair led us for some 13 years and felt the time was right for him to move on, allowing the band to move forward with fresh ideas. Alistair's legacy will be with the band for several years, leading us to that historic victory at the 4th section North of England Brass Band Championship back in March 2020 and the band's first visit to the finals in Cheltenham 18 months later, due to COVID-19. Everyone at Easingwold Town band wishes Alistair the best of luck with the next chapter of his musical career.

We appointed Peter Andrews as our new musical director in the final few days of September. Peter has a wealth of experience with brass bands and has previously conducted several bands across Yorkshire, inc. York R.I. Golden Rail Brass Band. We welcome Peter to the band and look forward to the enthusiasm and knowledge he will bring.

Finally, looking forward to the end of 2022, we have our regular Remembrance Sunday service on the 13th of November and into the festive period, where we find some of our regular engagements inc. Yearsley Church Carol Service and The Lions' Community Carols on the 17th of December.

We hope to see you at some of the above engagements, and if you want to join the band, we're always looking for players of all abilities, especially if you're a front-row cornet player!