About the Band
Part of the musical landscape of the East Midlands since 1991,
Nottingham Concert Band is an independent community windband based in West Bridgford, South Nottingham.
The band draws on a diversity of musical styles, from classical transcriptions
to contemporary compositions and from film and show compilations to big
band favourites, and an extensive repertoire ensures a different
programme for each performance.
Since 1993, the band has been led by Conductor & Musical Director Robert Parker. A Graduate and Fellow of Trinity College London, where he studied horn and piano, Robert performs professionally in a wide diversity of contexts. He also teaches brass both privately and in Nottinghamshire schools and is the county representative for the Trinity Guildhall examinations board. Robert is assisted by Associate Conductor Ashley Parnell, who occasionally leads rehearsals in Robert’s absence.
Under Robert’s baton, Nottingham Concert Band has established a year-round programme of formal evening concerts, plus a busy Summer season of outdoor engagements. Appearances in the recent past have included:
Nottingham Playhouse
Nottingham Arts Theatre
De la Beche Theatre, Keyworth
Goose Fair, Nottingham
Southwell Minster
Center Parcs, Sherwood
RAF Waddington International Airshow
Bingham Town Fair
Christmas in Nottingham’s Old Market Square
Fund-raising events for various charities
Summer fetes for
local
schools and community festivals
Bandstand concerts in Nottingham, Newark, Melton Mowbray, Loughborough,
Long Eaton, Grantham, Stamford, Ilkeston and Bourne.
Other activities have included the production of the ‘Sunrise’ CD and the development of the ‘Playday’ concept. Both have provided opportunities for the intense rehearsal of challenging pieces.
Band membership stands currently at over 60 musicians, who come from all across the East Midlands and who range in age from 17 to 70-plus. Rehearsals are held at Jesse Gray School on Musters Road in West Bridgford each Tuesday evening - except for the Summer, Easter and Christmas holiday periods - and any players interested in attending are invited to get in touch. See other pages on the site for details on membership requirements, forthcoming concerts and contact points.
