Musical Director Alan Needham

A product of The Salvation Army young musicians scheme, I started learning the Baritone at the ripe young age of seven in the mining village of Rossington near Doncaster S Yorkshire. Inspired by my elder brother who was an Eb Bass player with the Colliery Band.
Eventually being allowed to join the ranks of the Colliery Band in 1960 on 2nd Baritone, progressing to 1st Baritone in 1962.

Further progression to the Euphonium in 1964 and European visits to the music festivals in Budigen Germany, and Kerkrade Holland through the 60s and 70s.
A change of scenery in employment and location took me to the Principal Euphonium chair at Bilton Silver (Rugby) in 1977 and a return to Doncaster in 1982 again to rejoin Rossington.

Playing under the expert guidance of the likes of Albert Titmarsh, Denzil Stephens,Don Blakeson, K R Johnson, Duncan Beckley, Graham O’Connor, the taste for conducting became too much to resist, and became MD of The Scotter Silver Band in Lincolnshire in 1982, still maintaining my playing obligations.
In 1984 I became the MD of The Dronfield Band in Derbyshire, gaining a 3rd place at the area championships in Nottingham.
Relocation again impacted in 89 when I filled the Euphonium seat with The Lockwood Band under Peter Kitson. Yet another return to Rossington through the 90s and the heady days of promotion through to the championship section as the Polypipe (Rossington Colliery) Band, before the band folded with the withdrawal of company sponsorship.

A five year break ensued, before being tempted to return to the fold as MD of the Market Rasen Band in November 2005. Gaining repectable 14th 10th places in the area championships, and 2nd and 6th Places at the Butlins Championships.

A period of respite followed, with another short spell as MD with The Dronfield Band, up to December 2008, and a further 14 months as Principal Euphonium with Bestwood Black Diamonds, retiring from the playing arena after an excellent 2nd place at the Butlins Championships 2010.

Returning to Market Rasen presents many challenges, however, the blend of youth and experience within the playing personnel makes it an exciting one, and one that I look forward to with great enthusiasm.

Alan Needham MD