Since joining the East of England Co-op Band in January 2022, I have been incredibly impressed with their musicianship, organisational structure, and the people involved. This brass band is dedicated to getting the very best out of players in a purposeful, sensitive, and constructive way. This makes for excellent musical standards with a very happy team, and that is precisely what I have seen first-hand. Their conductor, Nigel Cooper, has a thorough grasp of the brass band repertoire, and this is reflected in how he coaches the band to get the most out of the music.

What a superb start to the year with first-place prizes in the 1st Section contest at the North East Midlands Brass Band Association contest in Alfreton. More recently, in Stevenage for the London and Southern Counties regional contest. The contest piece was ‘Spectrum’ by Gilbert Vinter, music I first heard played by Black Dyke Band in 1969 and one that inspired me to take up the cornet and play with a brass band.

The band’s success was reported in the magazine 4BR (4-Bars Rest); please read the extract, and please support them on their journey to the National Finals in September 2022 by donating towards their target of £1,000.

Just Giving for East of England Coop Band - 2022

I am so excited to be involved with the East of England Co-op Band after having recently attended their AGM and heard about the coming year. Their plans for the future are both bold and aspirational. From what I have seen and is based on their belief that to achieve excellence, an investment in their existing loyal members comes first.

This approach has certainly worked for me as a player. It has been years since I have had such personal fulfilment from playing with a group. I am incredibly grateful to everyone for making me feel welcome and genuinely valued as a new band member.

Our next concert is on Saturday 21st May at St Mary’s Coddenham, Suffolk. Tickets are available from Ian Burton, at the band on 07810 556636

Report & Results: 2022 London & Southern Counties Regional Championships (extract)

Link to article in 4BR (4 Bars Rest Magazine)

Haverhill claims first Area top flight title as section victories go to East of England Co-op, City of Norwich, Bradwell Silver and Hangleton in Stevenage.

First Section:
Suffolk may not be regarded as one of the nation's traditional brass banding areas, yet it has a history that stretches back to the earliest days of 'all brass' community bands.

And it wasn't just Haverhill Band that flew the blue and yellow flag of St Edmund proudly at Stevenage either, as East of England Co-op, based in Ipswich, claimed the First Section title on 'Spectrum'.

Formed in 1982, and led by Nigel Cooper, they claimed their first Area success since 1992 (when they were in the now defunct Midlands (South) area). 

It will be their first National Finals appearance since 2008 after producing the type of vibrantly coloured, differentially paced account — from a ferocious 'Red' to a tender 'Green', all the way to a deathly 'Purple', the judges were looking for. 

Incredible work
A delighted Band Chairman Keith Moye told 4BR. "Like other bands we've been impacted by Covid-19, but due to the incredible work of our dedicated management team we've seen almost full band rehearsals since September. 

Under Nigel we've returned with an increased enthusiasm and a desire to enjoy music making together. We loved 'Spectrum' and won at the NEMBBA contest in February, but a visit from Philip Harper brought us so much more insight which Nigel worked on brilliantly." 

Icing on cake
He added: "To win the title in our 40th anniversary year is very special. We now have events lined up including a CD recording and concerts and we can now look forward to Cheltenham. That puts the icing on the anniversary cake for sure."

As for the MD, Nigel added: "I'm delighted for the players - all of whom played on the Derby win earlier in the year. This is a great organisation with management and sponsors all playing their part in this victory.

I asked the band to be brave on stage and they excelled, and a special mention must go to Georgi Hawkes-Wright and Jason Beattie who won the individual prizes. We are very lucky to have a band with so many talented players who play as a team."

Extract from 4BR, News, Saturday 19 March 2022