Silk Brass began life as a 10-piece band in February 1997 – but from those lowly beginnings the Band has changed beyond all recognition. Twelve years on and 2009 sees Silk Brass in fine shape. The band has a full compliment of 28 players, who meet twice a week at their very own band room in Marton, just outside Macclesfield, and the band is also privileged to have a music sponsor in the shape of ‘our local’ The Davenport Arms Country Inn and Restaurant. In January 2007 Silk Brass was promoted to the first section and the bands playing is still going from strength to strength under the directorship of Jim Cant, who was appointed as conductor in 2006. The band has recently undertaken and completed a full uniform and instrument replacement/refurbishment programme.

Silk Brass has had continued success in the contest arena with wins at Derby, the Isle of Wight, Buxton, and also at the 2003 National Finals in the 3rd section. At the Rolls Royce Derby Contest in February this year the band swept the board as overall winners but with all the available brass soloists prizes as well; their Principal Cornet player - Mark Davies, was named the best cornet and their Solo Trombonist - Andrew Snelson, was named the best trombone player of the day. March 2009 saw the band qualify for the National Championships Final by obtaining 2nd place at the Blackpool Winter Gardens and was placed a creditable 8th out of a field of 17 bands at the Harrogate International Centre final.

‘March Contests’ at the Whit Friday March Contests in June, the band achieved section first or second places in almost all 10 venues attended, at the Morley Hymn tune and March contest saw Silk Brass take second place to the Championship section band, ‘Marsden Silver Prize Band’ from West Yorkshire. Silk managed to beat the defending champions in the hymn contest with a stylish performance of the hymn tune Nicaea.

Silk Brass has always been known as a great concert band that plays the music audiences really enjoy, whilst still offering the players some serious challenges. Silk is a band that is in great demand throughout the year, but particularly at Christmas when a series of sell out concerts sees them playing to December audiences of well over 2,000 people.

‘Charitable Work’ During 2009 Silk have offered their services to organisations for fund raising charities such as East Cheshire Hospice, Rossendale Trust, Christies Hospital, Macclesfield Reformed Church Restoration fund and Marton Primary School. Our players recently combined to send 15 shoe boxes filled with various goodies to the troops in Afghanistan.