About
Band History - right back to
1948
The Clacton-on-Sea Co-Operative Band is a
traditional Brass Band celebrating 60 years of
music making. Formed in 1948 the Band is a well
established organisation and over the years has
earned the reputation of being a fine concert and
contesting Band. Many prizes have been won in
competitions including in 1977, the title of 2nd
Section Champion Band of Great Britain. From
then on the band rapidly progressed to the
Championship Section, where until 2003 the Band
was firmly established – over twenty years at this
level was a great achievement. After two
successful years in the First Section 2004-2005 the
Band was once again in the Championship Section
nationally and maintaining a high standard of
playing.
The male orientated cloth cap image brass bands
often have is not true of today’s modern bands,
especially not in Clacton. During a typical year the
band reaches a wide range of audiences
performing in concerts and events throughout the
UK. Their appearances on Radio and Television
include Listen to the Band, Friday Night is Music
Night, Bandstand, Among Your Souvenirs and BBC
TV's Best of Brass series. Although the majority of
the concerts are played in Clacton, with the band
organising and running their own series of
Summer Concerts in the town's Theatres, the
band enjoys venturing outside the local area. They
have travelled extensively in Europe including
trips to France, Belgium, Germany and Hungary
and more frequently to Winschoten, Holland to
perform with the Nieuw Leven Band. Their music
repertoire includes an extensive range of
traditional brass band music, and many
arrangements of Classical, jazz, pop, light, shows
and films - a repertoire that will match most
musical requirements. The majority of the
concerts provide a mix of all types of music to suit
all tastes and are very keen to receive requests.
The band's members travel from across Essex and
surrounding counties to play with the Band. The
band are often looking for first class brass players
to enhance their membership so to check if any
vacancies exist please contact Ann Headworth,
secretary.
The Band is proud to be sponsored by the East of
England Co-Operative Society who support them
in their various activities and have done so since
1978.
© Clacton-on-Sea Co-operative Band 2016
Clacton-on-Sea Co-operative Band