*
banner

Dobcross look to future built on long term foundations

MD Jason Smith and Dobcross Silver are determined to build on the solid foundations that have been put in place over the last five years together.

Dobcross
  Dobcross won the National Fourth Section title in 2022

A long term plan to bring lasting musical progression, community involvement and competitive success is now paying rich dividends for Dobcross Silver Band.

Although famous for its band club concerts and respected for its 150 years of competitive success, the organisation is well aware that its future must be based on solid foundations of realistic ambition — something MD Jason Smith is certainly planning to achieve.

Successful

Jason is also the owner of Rochdale Brass Instrument Repairs and has brought his understanding of running a successful business to that of the band he has been at the helm at for the past five years.

"It's been essential that we put in place long term plans," he told 4BR. "Having a respected name and a wonderful history is one thing, but it is the future that counts and how we secure it on and off the contest and concert stage."

The band has certainly enjoyed competitive success under his baton — recently adding the Third Section Red Admiral Entertainment title to a CV that has included a memorable Fourth Section National Championship victory in 2022 as well as victories at local events in Holme, Buxton and Darley Dale.

Long term

"Those successes and more have been great," Jason said. "However, it can only be built on if the organisation behind it is also moving forward. Thankfully we've managed to build a really positive long term outlook so even if we do get a small set back it doesn't deter us.

That's why we link everything to drawing more people to the activities at Dobcross Band Club and why we've put in place opportunities for other bands to give performances and add to a hub of communal activity that is now growing week by week."

The result of that approach has seen closer links to youth organisations as well as looking at other initiatives that bring people together.

I am blessed with a great team that work tirelessly to achieve that. Our remit is to bring joy to everyone we perform our music with and toMD Jason Smith

Extra benefits

Jason added: "It's not just the regular concerts that bring people to Dobcross Band Club, and it has been a real eye opener to be able to speak and find out more about people in our local community who all have a deep pride in 'their' band, even if they have never played a single note in their lives"

In turn Jason revealed that it has also brought extra benefits.

"Little things that sometimes we forget about," he admitted. "Now we are much more professional about our presentation, dress code, rehearsals and communication, celebrating our heritage to the community and our ambassador role for it.

Sometimes it takes others to point out the way forward, and being open to accept that and acting on it has been a real part on what has driven us for the past five years and will continue to do so for many more to come."

Future

And as to that future?

"We can never know what the next contest may bring," Jason admitted. "But we do know we will be promoting the band in a positive light, working hard to improve and making sure we welcome everyone who wishes to connect with us.

I am blessed with a great team that work tirelessly to achieve that. Our remit is to bring joy to everyone we perform our music with and to."

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd