Rayleigh Brass
An innovative brass band based in Essex, UK
6th April 2024
"A Spin Through the Classics" Concert
Rayleigh Brass are probably best known for their lighter themed concerts, but on Saturday we dipped our toes into the daunting world of the classics. An audience pleasing performance featured well known and lesser known pieces from the band’s classical repertoire.
We were also delighted to bring the latest word in brass band technology to the Mill Arts and Events Centre, Rayleigh in the form of Chris Bearman’s ‘iBand’.
If you missed the concert, don’t panic! You can see an amended performance at Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea on 11th May.
Set List
Shostakovitch - Festive Overture / Shostakovitch - Romance from Gadfly / Herold - Clog Dance. La Fille mal Gardee / Bizet - Deep Inside the Sacred Temple / Bizet - Carmen Fantasy / Morricone - The Mission / Saint-Saens - French Military March
interval
Shostakovitch - A Spin Through Moscow / Vaughan Williams - English Folk Songs - March - Folk Songs from Somerset / Vaughan Williams - Prelude '49th Parallel' / Shostakovitch - The Second Waltz from "Jazz Suite No.2" / Masagni - Cavalleria Rusticana –Easter Hymn / Traditional - Simple Gifts / Time to Say Goodbye - Con Te Partiro / iBand
encore(s)
Radetsky March
Join Rayleigh Brass!
We have vacancies for front and back row cornets, tenor horn, Bb bass.
Did you learn a brass instrument at school, but have never experienced the joy of playing in a brass band?
Maybe you played years ago, and are interested in a return to brass banding in a relaxed and fun environment.
Perhaps you currently play in a contesting band, and are becoming tired of the pressure and test pieces.
We are a friendly and inclusive band who aim to play a varied programme to a high standard whilst maintaining a fun and family friendly atmosphere. See our previous concerts page for examples of our repertoire, and contact us if you would like to attend a rehearsal.
9th December 2023
"Christmas Gifts" Concert
Rayleigh Brass treated a packed Mill Hall to a festive soaked evening at the recent 'Christmas Gifts' concert.
The band performed a mix of traditional and modern Christmas classics, helped along by the audience who were in fine voice.
Testimonials
"Lovely Concert, we really enjoyed it (especially Jingle Bells, my favourite)"
"Fantastic concert especially the 3 solo’s - well done Jan, Jordan & Sam.
Loved ‘Elfis’ and the 12 days of Christmas. Paul - love your really naff cracker jokes😝😝😝"
Set List
Troika / Frozen / Winter / Nightmare before Christmas / Somewhere in my memory / Love Actually /
Three Kings Swing / Merry Christmas Darling / Stop the Cavalry / Gaudete
interval
Spirit of Christmas / A Muppet Christmas Carol / Santa Baby / God rest ye merry gentlemen /
Candlelight Carol / Frosty the snowman / Good King Wenceslas / Sleigh Ride / Fanfare and Carol
I wish it could be Christmas every day / Twelve days of Christmas (Carol book 136)
finale
Jingle Bells
encore(s)
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
7th December 2023
Meadow Croft Garden Centre
Last night was our last visit to Meadow Croft Garden Centre's German Market.
Thank you for having us! Happy Christmas!
26th October 2023
Meadow Croft Garden Centre
Christmas is coming!
Yesterday we performed the first of seven (yes seven!) Wednesday evenings at Meadow Croft Garden Centre's German Market.
Please come along to one of remaining evenings to say hello and ask for your favourite festive tune!
7th October 2023
"Icons" Concert
Rayleigh Brass left a packed Holy Trinity Church rockin' in the aisles at the recent 'Icons' concert..
The band performed an eclectic set of iconic rock and pop from Led Zeppelin to Simon and Garfunkel via Queen and ABBA.
Guest Elvis was truly in the house leading the audience in a rousing, foot stamping finale.
Testimonials
"Another fantastic concert from Rayleigh Brass - Icons from the music world - the best of the best made an appearance (in more ways than one) Not your average brass band - so much more fun and entertaining than others. Can’t wait until the Christmas concert."
"Fantastic concert last night. Well done guys and gals. It was brilliant! "
"Loved it - you even drew people in off the street because they saw the light show and thought someone was having a disco in the church ! And they stayed to listen"
Set List
Elvis Rocks / Mr Blue Sky / He Ain’t Heavy / Sir Duke / Bridge Over Troubled Water / A Whiter Shade of Pale / Essential Elton John
interval
Baggy Trousers / ABBA goes Brass / Something Stupid / Stairway to Heaven / Life on Mars
finale
Bohemian Rhapsody / Hey Jude
encore(s)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love /Sweet Caroline
9th August 2023
Southend Bandstand
Thanks to everyone who came along and saw us at Priory Park Bandstand.
Sorry about the wind (the weather, not us!), but at least the rain stayed away 🙂
5th July 2023
Our "Meet the Band" page is now complete, where you'll be able to meet the faces behind-the-mouthpieces and learn a little more about the eclectic bunch who make up Rayleigh Brass!
18th June 2023
Visit the Vulcan
Southend Airport
Rayleigh Brass had a fantastic day playing beneath the wings of Avro Vulcan 426 at Southend Airport. Great to see so many people enjoying the music and all the other attractions organised by the Vulcan Restoration Trust. Hopefully we will be winging it back again next year!
21st April 2023
We were pleased to return to the Mill Hall on Saturday 21st April, and under the direction of guest Musical Director Chas Sludden played a wide selection of music, from The Sound Of Music to Bohemian Rhapsody. The concert was well received by a near capacity audience.
December 2022
Seasons Greetings from Rayleigh Brass!
Christmas is our busiest time of year. As well as our well received "Christmas Soundtrack" concert at the Holy Trinity Church, we have enjoyed playing at various engagements including Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Thorpe Bay and Benfleet Yaucht Clubs and Hullbridge Scouts Gift and Carol Service. Below are a few images from the 2022 Xmas season
