historyhome

The St. Helens Concert Band was formed in 1972 from the original St Helens Military band which, in turn, owes its origins to the Ravenhead Military Band and earlier still to the Ravenhead Militia, A drum and Fife Band circa 1840.

In 1975 the Fred Matthias Orchestra was formed as an additional part of the band concentrating on big band, swing and jazz numbers. During this time the band consisted of several separate sections including a training band, separate ensembles along with the main Concert Band.

Today there is ONE band, which fully integrates all types of music and abilities of musicians. The balance makes playing in the band interesting and the mix in ability helps develop the more inexperienced players in a way that is more beneficial as opposed to having a separate training band as they are playing with a range of semi-professional and professional musicians. The social scene is also more interesting due to the mix of people as opposed to separate groups.

The St. Helens Concert Band has certainly undergone change over the years and change is what contributes to the success of the band.

On the Band's 30th Anniversary in 2001 BBC Radio Merseyside interviewed the Chairman, John Henderson, and the Musical Director, Norman Frost.  To download an mp3 of the interview  click here