The Ransome Band has announced it is to cease contesting with immediate effect in a landmark decision designed to develop and stabilise the band whilst maintaining the enjoyment of making music without the adverse pressures of contesting.

Player shortages

Recent months has seen the band pressurised into finding players for the Regional Championships. With the knowledge of there being a lack of young players in the surrounding area, combined with the band’s awkward geographical placement, the decision was taken to withdraw from the forthcoming contests and concentrate on other projects such as themed concerts, Bavarian evenings and overseas tours.

Far from being the demise of the band, Ransome is making a pro-active pledge to develop the strength of brass performance in the Newark region with the formation of a youth bandRansome Band

Not a demise

Far from being the demise of the band, Ransome is making a pro-active pledge to develop the strength of brass performance in the Newark region with the formation of a youth band. This, combined with another youth band being set up close by should secure the future of Ransome and other local bands for many years to come.

Positive move

The band state that at a time when many bands are struggling with the current climate of player shortages, their decision to step aside from contesting for the near future and concentrate on maintaining its excellent series of concerts both home and abroad has been hailed by the players as a positive move.

With an intention to move location closer to the M1 and reducing rehearsals to once a week, it is hoped that many brass players and percussionists will come on board with the band’s new ethos of concentrating on music and enjoyment.