York Railway Institute
History
York Railway Institute Band was established in 1883 by Noah Bruce and is York's oldest and most successful brass band. Originally named Chaucer Street Mission Band and later known as York and District Mission and Temperance Band, York Excelsior Brass Band, York Home Guard Band and Ebor Excelsior Silver Band, it took on the name of York Railway Institute Band after allying itself to York Railway Institute in 1952 - the majority of members being railwaymen at that time. The band is the current holder of the Bolsover Festival of Brass ‘Most Entertaining Band’ First Section title and is the North of England First Section Champions.
The band’s Musical Director since 2017, David Lancaster is a composer whose music has been performed, broadcast and recorded internationally. His published work includes orchestral music, choral music, songs and chamber music and two CD recordings of his choral music are due to be released in 2023. He is Associate Professor of Composition at York St John University.
York Railway Institute Band is sponsored by Rowley & Sons Funeral Directors.
Principal Players
Principal Cornet - Katie Wannop
Soprano Cornet - Calum Claughton
Solo Horn - Sally Mansell
Flugel Horn - James Lolley
Solo Euphonium - James West
Solo Trombone - Rob Foden
Solo Baritone - Yvonne Billard
Solo Eb Bass - Richard Lovatt
Solo Bb Bass - Dan Lancaster
Principal Percussionist - Francesca Rochester
