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Search for New Conductor

With the retirement of Raymond Jeffery MBE, Thrapston Town Band is now looking for a new conductor. He will be retiring in March 2014 after 44 years of holding the baton. Thrapston Town Band was established in 1858 and is believed to be the oldest surviving band in Northamptonshire. The band was initially established by Mr Nathaniel Smith, a Director of Smith and Grace, Iron Foundry, Thrapston, who was very involved in the Temperance Society. He believed that keeping the workforce occupied would stop them from spending money in the public houses. Mr Smith’s son, Nathaniel Junior, was a great musician and conducted the band for many years.

The band’s present Musical Director Ray Jeffery took over the position of Temporary Conductor in 1970 and was appointed Musical Director several years later. Ray initially joined Thrapston Town Band in 1952 at the age of 22, having had some lessons on the tenor horn prior to joining. From 1953 the band was conducted by Mr GR Nairns, known as Dick Nairns. As well as being Conductor, Ray also served as Secretary of the band from 1960 to 1988. Ray was responsible for instigating the band’s classes for new players; prior to this the band had only accepted established players. In 1970, the bands ranks were somewhat depleted and Ray had encouraged an enthusiastic youngster to come along to band practice and bring along a few friends who might be interested. Seventeen young people turned up to the practice ready and
eager to learn and this was the beginning of the band’s longstanding commitment to teaching. Ray has taught literally hundreds of young people and adults to play.

Thrapston Town Band is recognised throughout the county for its commitment to teaching young people and adults. The band teaches beginners and intermediate players free of charge every Thursday night and integrates players into the main band once they are ready. At the current time, the only cost involved is a yearly subscription fee of £10 per member, maximum £20 per family. The band has a number of families with multiple members.

In 2008, the band celebrated its 150th anniversary and, in the same year, Ray’s exceptional contribution to banding was recognised when he was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to Thrapston Town Band and the community. Ray has become well known throughout the
community for his charismatic personality and ability to entertain audiences. He brings something special to band performances and will be greatly missed by all. Ray is not retiring completely and he will still be seen and heard at band performances as he will swapping his baton for the trombone.

The band is now seeking a new Musical Director for 2014 onwards and is openly inviting applications from established conductors, brass or otherwise, players looking to move into conducting and music students who are seeking a conductorship. The band is a friendly, community-based concert band and, at the present time, non-contesting. The band has a variety of engagements and a progressive attitude to new opportunities.

For further details, please call Nicola Compton-Marriott, Band Secretary, on 07771 392294 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thrapston Town Band

Thrapston Town Band

Thrapston Town Band

Thrapston Town Band