elcome to Old Hall's history page. Even though the band have only been around for about 16 years, we have managed to cram a lot into a short space of time.

There can be no doubt that the band work well together. We are very much a family band. This sense of family also extends to our thriving junior band, now nearly thirty strong.

In 2000, we moved our band room from its long-time base at Bispham Methodist Church, where Roy the Vicar looked after us so well, to newer, more spacious premises at "Crow's Nest", Windy Arbour. Mr. Burgess continues to treat us in a manner which we'd like to keep becoming accustomed to!

The band was initially formed in 1989 and has an enviable reputation. In its relatively short history, the band has consistently gone from strength to strength.

The last several years have been very eventful with winning three area contests in four years. The Tameside contest also provided us with a 1st place trophy in 1999. We were placed 6th at the Millennium Contest in 2000 and also played in the Grosvenor House Hotel. In 2001 we had a rest from winning the areas, but still managed to win Fleetwood Contest - just to keep our hands in! We had an excellent 2001 concert season and to entered the Areas again in March.

This year, (2004) we won the Areas again and are now looking forward to the National finals in September. This will be a sad year, for all our triumphs, as Neil will be retiring as MD with effect from after the Nationals.

Old Hall have always prided themselves on playing wide a variety of entertaining music . Some pieces fast and furious, others slow and even somber, some from the great classics, others from the great shows and films. This formula has earned the band an increasing reputation from audiences across the country as far afield as Ireland and the Scottish Isles. We are continuing our extremely popular concert programmes throughout the North West.

The band have produced four recordings "Debut", "Shaken Not Stirred", "Somewhere Out There" and our recent CD release "Laudate Dominum". This latest release reflects the band's love of hymns and other sacred music and, indeed, the title track is one of the band's favourite test pieces.  The CD was recorded at the Huddersfield University and it is the best production yet.