About the band

We are York based and are sponsored by Shepherd Building Group, which has had its roots in and around the York community since 1890, and retains its head offices in the City today. We currently have about 75 players and run 3 active bands.

The band was first formed in 1903 as The Cocoa Works Band, and has progressed through The Rowntree Band and The Nestlé Rowntree Band to the present day and The Shepherd Group Brass Band. Back in 1903, the idea of having information available in this format would have seemed like witchcraft. But today it is taken for granted and we are delighted to take the opportunity afforded by modern communications to let all who are interested know something about a traditional brass band for the 21st century: The Shepherd Group Brass Band and its players.

Band Conductor: Tim Oldroyd

Tim Oldroyd was born in York in 1970. Tim learnt to play the cornet in the local salvation army band at Malton under the careful eye of Ian Beecham, a well known muscian in salvationist circles. Tim eventually left the Salvation Army band and started playing with other brass bands in the area.

Tim has been a member of such notible bands such as IMI Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band, Polypipe (Rossington), British Steel (Teeside) York Railway Institute and has very recently finished playing with the Newcastle Brown Ale band which is now known as the Chester-le-Street Riverside Band.

Tim now dedicates most of his time to conducting and is musical director of the Shepherd Group Brass Band which he has been since September last year. Prior to coming to Shepherds Tim was active on the music scene conducting other bands in the area such as Aunt Bessie's East Yorkshire Brass, Lockwood Brass, Yorkshire Imps and Langbaurgh Brass.

Tim started his working life a the famous Banks music in York where he ran the instrument department, later he branched out in purely instrument dealing before setting his own business up. Tim is now a self employed Instrument maker and dealer, he designs and makes bespoke professional brass instruments to order from his workshop in Stokesley.

His business is called Geneva trumpets and his reputation for quality is growing rapidly throughout the music world and he now sells to musicians from all over the world.

Click on this link to visit Tim's website.

The Senior Band

Our Senior Band is in the North Eastern Championship Section. The Senior Band carries out around 20 to 25 concerts a year at venues that include York Theatre Royal, Selby Abbey, Harewood House, and York Races. The highlight for The Band recently was the 3-week run in September 2004 of Brassed Off at York Theatre Royal, which played to full houses and critical acclaim.

The Concert Band

The Concert Band provides lighter music in and around the North Yorkshire area at fetes, garden parties, and in Parliament Street, York twice a year. This band acts as a feeder for up and coming players prior to them joining the Senior Band.

The Beginners Band

Last but certainly not least is The Beginners Band. This is run to teach young (and not so young) players about the basics of playing brass instruments, playing as an ensemble, learning and appreciating the world of brass band music, and developing their skills and playing abilities to the level where they can join The Concert Band.

Other links: Shepherd's Group social club