Uppermill Band
History
The band, originally known as ‘Uppermill Brass’, began when local youngsters expressed interest in learning brass instruments. Local trombonist Ted Tooley offered tuition, and Arthur Cooper provided his home for the group's first rehearsals. Rehearsals took place in various village locations until the band moved to Austerlands Cricket Club for over five years.
With 85 players, aged 7-14, the group split into two sections, with the more advanced group becoming Uppermill Band and registering as a 4th Section brass band. Under Harold Robinson’s direction, the band qualified for the National Finals and the Pontins Final in 1988. They were promoted to the 3rd Section in 1990.
In 1991, the band moved back to Uppermill, practicing at the Conservative Club for 18 years. By then, six young players were in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Though the band briefly dropped to the 4th Section, they regained success under Jim Hunter, winning contests at Pontins and Whit Friday.
After Jim Hunter’s retirement in 2003, Simon Wood took over, leading the band to qualification for the National Finals in 2004. In 2014, Alan Widdop became musical director, guiding the band to success in the National Championship Finals and winning promotion to the 3rd Section.
The band moved to its current home in 2009 at Saddleworth Cricket Club, transforming a storage space into a modern, acoustically sound bandroom. This effort was funded by contest winnings. The band continued to achieve success, including a 4th consecutive win at both the Buxton Festival and Pontins Championships, earning promotion to the 2nd Section in 2011 and to the 1st Section in 2013.
In 2011, the band recorded their first CD, ‘Stepping Stones’, symbolising their steady progress.