The band always welcomes new players and visitors who may be in the area on a short-term basis.
Our members are friendly and enthusiastic, are equipped with good quality instruments, and most have played in brass bands for many years; providing us with decades of cumulative experience, including contesting, knowledge of repertoire and backgrounds with military music.
Several members have returned to banding later in life following a break, and some, whilst having experience in other musical ensembles are much newer to the banding movement.
Musical Director – Richard Atkins
Richard learnt piano and organ at school and was inspired to take up the trombone at the age of 14 because a schoolfriend played the instrument so beautifully. In his final year at school, he had the opportunity to rehearse weekly with the Royal Amateur Orchestra in London, and Barnet Brass Band, learning to read in all the various clefs.
After university, Richard started a career as a teacher specialising in Mathematics and coaching sport, with a bit of music thrown in as opportunity allowed. Whilst teaching near Peterborough, he joined the trombone section of Yarwell & Nassington Britannia Band, and after a few years playing in the band, in 2009 he became Musical Director. Under his leadership the band competed in the Whit Friday marches on several occasions and also once in the Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival, winning a trophy for their performance. The Band also performed at a couple of the many Olympic Torch ceremonies in 2012 and recorded three CDs under Richard’s leadership.
Having had many holidays in Waldringfield over the years, Richard and his wife Liz moved to Suffolk following his retirement from teaching in 2018. Liz has recently retired from playing and teaching the double bass professionally.
Richard was appointed interim Musical Director of Ipswich Community Light Orchestra for the year 2022-23, and he plays with various musical groups as well as being a church organist in the Waldringfield area.
He became Musical Director of Suffolk Phoenix Brass in April 2024.
