*
banner

New MD at Harrogate

Craig Ratcliffe is the new MD at Harrogate Band.

Harrogate
 

Craig Ratcliffe has been appointed as the new Musical Director of the Harrogate Band.

Extensive search

4BR has been informed that his appointment comes after an extensive search for the right person who can develop and inspire the band and demonstrate passion and intelligence in the role.

Dream come true

Craig told 4BR: "This is a dream come true for me, I am absolutely delighted to be doing this job. In the short term I want to put together a winning performance for the Areas whilst in the medium to long term I want to build an innovative and forward thinking band."

Craig, 27, is a teacher of Music and Music technology at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate and played euphonium for Yorkshire Co-operative and Pennine Brass whilst studying music at Huddersfield University.

It’s a great appointment because Craig is passionate about the band is a very skilful, experienced and knowledgeable Musical DirectorChairman, Keith Graham

Experience

For the past 4 years, he has been the principal euphonium player and more recently, the Assistant Musical Director. His appointment comes after spending 6 successful years with the Tewit Youth Band as Musical Director.

Great appointment

Harrogate’s Chairman, Keith Graham, added: "It’s a great appointment because Craig is passionate about the band is a very skilful, experienced and knowledgeable Musical Director."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

December 26 • How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd