Burbage Band (Buxton)

PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL ADVISOR - Alan Wycherley

At the start of 2009 the band were delighted to be able appoint Alan Wycherley as our professional musical advisor, having had the chance to work with him a few times in previous years.

Alan will need very little introduction to brass band people as he is surely one of the most experienced people out there, and not to mention he is also one of the finest soprano cornet players ever to grace the movement. Alan joined the Fairey Band in 1972 aged 15 and took over the seat at Fairey left vacant by the great Brian Evans, a seat that Alan occupied for 14 years until his departure to Desford in 1987.

After his short stay with Desford, which was highlighted by the win at the Nationals in October, he moved to Leyland Band which was conducted by Richard Evans at the time , and he stayed with Leyland for 12 years until his move to Fodens in 2000. Alan has very recently annouced his retirment from top level playing after a swansong with the Fairey band. During his playing career Alan has worked under almost all the greatest names in brass band conducting including Walter Hargreaves, Geoofrey Brand, Howard Snell, Richard Evans and Bramwell Tovey, to name only a few.

Burbage Band are proud to be able to work regularly with a musician of Alans calibre, and are grateful to Alan for finding the time in his busy playing schedule to work with us. 

RESIDENT MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Steve Critchlow

Steve started cornet playing at the age of 11 when his school decided it wanted to start a brass band, and was fortunate to get private lesson with professional trumpet player Morris McLean, who took Steve under his wing and ensured he gained a wide musical education as well as a great enthusiam for music.

Steve gained a place within the ranks of the senior Burbage Band within 6 months of having first picked up a cornet, and rose quickly to playing solo cornet with the band. He became a well known face in banding, as he was frequently seen helping out bands all over the area. During his A level years Steve started conducting the Burbage junior band and his success was quickly noted by the committee and members of the senior band, where he soon found himself acting as bandmaster, conducting on rehearsals and concerts when required.

When a vacancy arose in 1994 for a new conductor the committee asked Steve to steady the ship, which he agreed to do for a few months until a new MD could be found. 17 years later he is still the bands regular conductor. During his time the band have become widely reknowned as an excellent concert band, have been promted to the third section for contetsing as well as winning many prizes and admirers at contests. In March 2011  the band become Midlands area champions under Steves baton. The band have undertaken several foreign trips, have recorded a CD and have made an appearance on BBC television.  An emphasis on the importance of teaching brass has seen the membership of the band remain steady and full of loyal Burbage players.