THE moors are alive with the sound of music, thanks to a musical group which has been making Ryedale proud for the last 185 years.

One of the oldest town bands in the country, Kirkbymoorside Brass Band is still riding high, having just become National Brass Band Championship north of England champion in the first section, as well as winning the best bass section.

The band is as vibrant now as it was on July 28, 1821, when the Yorkshire Gazette (this paper's predecessor) recorded: "At Kirkbymoorside, an excellent band of music took part in the celebrations for the coronation of George IV."

Kirkby Brass Band provides a musical and social focal point unrivalled in the area, and is a family in more ways than one.

"No one is ever turned away," said percussionist David Wakeley. "If someone new turns up to a rehearsal, they are handed an instrument and told to sit down.

"Beginners are taught by experienced members of the band and, when they get good enough, they are invited to join the junior and then the full band.

"Players come from all over, from Scarborough to Easingwold," he added. "The core of the band is Kirkbymoorside people, but there are no restrictions on who joins."

And there is a 'dynasty' element, too. Band master John Woodward is father to the flugle player and the horn player, and father-in-law to the soprano player, whose own father is the percussionist, and whose daughter is the 12-year-old cornet player (granddaughter of the band master and percussionist). Got it?

Rehearsals are twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, and the regular band has between 28 and 30 players, depending on percussionists.

It has its own purpose-built rehearsal rooms, on Manor Vale, which are the envy of most other bands, and is in a very promising financial position.

With around ten to 15 fixtures every year, it is recognised and cherished throughout the area. "Whitby seems to have adopted us, and we play there every year in the Christmas festival," says David.

Last summer saw a trip to Himminghausen, north Germany, where they gave a joint concert with their 'twin' band.

They play every kind of music, from classical to jazz, often designating a theme for one of their own concerts, or even for a whole year. Recently, they used the theme of dance band music, playing a lot of Glenn Miller and other big band-style material.

"We don't play outside anymore. Although people associate brass bands with outdoor events, like agricultural shows, it really isn't like that now."

I asked him what he thought of the film Brassed Off, starring Pete Postlethwaite and Stephen Tompkinson, about a band struggling for survival in a mining town struck with pit closure, which travels to London and becomes national champion.

His answer surprised me. "No one involved in the brass band movement would ever underestimate the impact that film had. Our audiences increased significantly after it was released."

He said the film provided a highly-accurate account of band life, and featured some of the top-quality bands in the country.

"For anyone watching who knows something about brass music, the film has a whole other dimension to appreciate," he said.

Of course, there is a limit to parallels between the film and the real-life band in Kirkby.

But the film worked because it was about people learning together, working as a team to create wonderful music, as well as providing free training.

It is about the people, and not just the players themselves, but those who support them. "People in Kirkbymoorside are immensely proud of the band and very supportive," said David.

Tony Riby, landlord of the band's adopted local, The King's Head, takes it upon himself to look after the troops.

"When we're doing a concert in Kirkbymoorside, he will nip over in the interval and say 'there's a cup of tea or something a bit stronger waiting for you over the road when you finish'," said David. And thus the fanfare of fine music is followed by a good honest pint, and a top-brass night for all.

The band's next concert will be held on Saturday, April 17, in Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm. Tickets cost £3 and £2 for concessions. On May 2 at 3pm, the band performs at Ryedale House in Malton to raise funds for the distict council chairman's charities.

Do you know of an organisation or an individual who is worthy of being featured in Ryedale Pride? If so, contact Claire Metcalfe on (01653) 695600 or e-mail gazette@ycp.co.uk.

Updated: 12:05 Wednesday, April 14, 2004