About the Band
Tutbury Band is directed by Kevin Orton and is Tutbury Band’s principal concert band. We play a variety of music including: movie themes, musicals, marches, chart songs and more classical pieces. Please see our current play-list on our music page.
Kevin Orton has been a member of Tutbury Band for many years, having previously conducted the Junior Band, as well as playing the trumpet in main band. Kevin took over the baton from the founder of Tutbury Band Malcom Heywood in 2003. He has previously played in a number of bands and orchestras, including: The National Youth Brass Ensemble of Great Britain, CLB National Band, Derbyshire County Youth Orchestra, Wind Band and Brass Ensemble.
Our membership consists of players aged from 9 to nearly 90 – we believe that it’s never to late to learn – indeed many of our new members join us after spending time as a member of our Junior Band and even our Training Band! Whilst many of members learnt their musical skills at school, a fair number of them started playing later in life – something we actively encourage!
A good number of our members have been playing in the band for many years. Our membership contains people from many walks of life, including members who are: teachers, doctors, students, retired, engineers, in business, housewives – all have a common love of making music. Tutbury Band welcomes enquiries from musicians of Grade 4 standard upwards wishing to join, please see our membership pages for details
The Junior Band
Tutbury Junior Band rehearses at Belvedere School in Burton On Trent on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 until 8.15, under the direction of Richard Woodberry. With around 60 players, the Junior Band is itself a complete concert band that performs regularly at local primary school summer fetes, the Mother’s Day service in the parish church as well as joining the Senior Band at the annual Christmas Concert in Burton Town Hall. There is no real entry standard for Junior Band, although Associate Board Grade 1 should see the younger players at least able to cope with most of the music. While we carry the title Junior Band, we are not just there for the kids – everyone is welcome. Also on Wednesday evenings we have the Training Band – which is led by Jo Thorpe. This really is a beginners experience to ensemble playing and while it is not designed for instrumental teaching can help develop musicianship at a very early stage.