In 1998 the band underwent a transformation.
The numbers of new, young members began to dwindle as local
schools stopped providing free music tuition. At the same
time a number of former members of the band returned. As
the average age of the band members increased, Len took
the decision to rename the band Warrington Brass to reflect
the change in the bands makeup.
In 2001 after a period of ill health, Len
took the difficult decision to retire from banding after
37 years of leading the band. Len handed the running of
the band over to a committee of its members
However, this was not the final chapter for
Len. In 2010, at the age of 90, Len was awarded the MBE
for his services to the teaching of music to the youth of
Warrington. A proud moment for everyone involved with the
band both past and present. Sadly, Len passed away on 12th
September 2013. He will be greatly missed.
Warrington Brass, in its current structure
has a healthy future and is committed to continuing Len’s
legacy of teaching young people to play and appreciate music.
The band is once again involved with teaching brass instruments
to young people, although there are no age limits, and we
offer free tuition to anyone wishing to learn a brass instrument.
The band has many young members between the ages of 11 and
16. They are developing musical skills and socialising with
people of their own age in a safe environment in the same
way that we learned to become musicians all those years
ago.
The band has a long and illustrious history
but more importantly Warrington Brass has an exciting future.
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