Our Past -

Our Orchestra stands alongside the independent steel bands of the World. We are just as they are in that our formation was the idea of just two people along with the support of some of the parents and Charities we raise money for, brought together their children and formed the basis of the orchestra in November 1985. The charity involvement lives on and regular gigs are played so as to ensure a steady flow of money is given to the charity we collect for (The Royal Manchester Childrens Bone Marrow Fund). Many musicians have passed through the band over the past 22 years and added their own individual mark upon the aura of the Orchestra. The original founders may have moved on, but the motto we have held since the beginning still remains "We Not I".

Our Present -

2007 was again one of our busiest yet and started with a week long tour to Esbjerg in Denmark at the invitation of the local youth service. We played at a number of concerts and workshops, as well as having a great social week at the ice rinks and bowling alley. Our hosts made us most welcome and we look forward to going again in the future. A detailed report and photos can be found under the articles. The rest of the year was also very busy right up to Christmas, with the highlight being our success in getting through to the National Finals of Music for Youth, in Birmingham in July.

2008 looks like being another busy year starting in February with a big girl guiding event at the new Liverpool Arena. Also planned for the Bank Holiday period in August is another 10 day tour to Devon. This will be our seventh visit since 1996 when we first called in to Torbay for one day between events in Plymouth and Cheltenham. The venues will again include Torquay, Brixham, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Dartmouth – full details will be given on the events list when they are finalised . The players are really looking forward to this and we all know we will have a great time and meet many of our friends from previous years.

The latest Volume 6 CD has again proved popular over the last year, along with the other three CDs that are all readily available wherever we play or by post. We also made our latest donation to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Bone Marrow Trust Fund which we have been supporting since 1985 with our licensed collections in North West shopping precincts and several other donations from supporting organisations. The total donated to date now stands at over £34,000

Our Future -

With a stream of up and coming players in our Junior Section we are always guaranteed a solid playing force. Let the future bring what it may, we are well prepared! Our future is dependant on a constant influx of new talent and our Junior orchestra is the perfect place for them to develop their skills as artistes. Steve Marshall now looks after the teaching with some help from experienced players. The learning curve can be steep but well worth the effort for those who are prepared to put in the work. The Junior section practices every Monday night at Hazel Grove Primary School in Stockport. For further details please contact us.