- Two Rivers Footstompers play Beck Festival 2023 (Two Rivers Footstompers)
-
Date Posted: Sun, 20 Aug 2023
Our new trad jazz ensemble the Two Rivers Footstompers made their debut appearance at the Festival of the Beck today, expertly led by Swing Band Director Trevor Vincent on trumpet.
The festival was organised by the Friends of Bradford's Becks https://bradford-beck.org/
The sun shone for us and we had a great time.
Water themed tunes were: Down by the Riverside (now renamed "Down by Bradford Beck"; Canal Street Blues; and Lazy River. Many thanks to our enthusiastic audience.
Local songwriter Eddie Lawler also entertained. Follow the YouTube link to hear his song about Bradford Beck.
A new film about the Beck and the important conservation work being done by the Friends was premiered today at the Festival. It will soon be available to watch on YouTube.
The event was funded by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund and Friends of Bradford’s Becks.
The cartoon sketch of us was kindly done by John Davison http://www.johndavisonwriter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cartoonsfromthepitYouTube Video URL:
- Concert Band Musical Director to step down
-
Date Posted: Sun, 28 May 2023
Mike O'Farrell, who has been Musical Director of our Concert Band since 2013, has announced that he will be stepping down from his post at the end of July.
He said “I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with Two Rivers since 2013, and throughout that time it has been my favourite freelance work.
Working with such a great organisation has been tremendously meaningful. My favourite thing to do is to stand in front of people and try to create conditions where they discover new abilities - and I have been incredibly lucky to get to do that most Saturdays.”
He has now taken a new full time job which no longer allows him space for work with the Band.
Mike has made a huge contribution to the growth and development of the Concert Band.
His deep musical understanding and encouraging approach has helped members to develop their playing enormously.
"We understand Mike's decision but will miss him very much" said Les Goldman, Chair of the Two Rivers Bands Committee.
"He is a very skilled music educator. He really knows how to bring out the best in people and make rehearsals enjoyable"
The search now begins for a replacement. The Band hope to have a new person in post for the beginning of September.
The advertisement for the post is attached below.
If you are interested in applying, please email concertbandsec@tworiversbands.org.uk for an application pack.
Closing date for applications is 19th June 2023.Attachment: 
- Ukraine Independence Day at Clarke Foley Centre (Wind Quartet Group)
-
Date Posted: Sat, 27 Aug 2022
Members of the Two Rivers Wednesday Woodwinds Group had the pleasure and privilege of playing to a large audience celebrating Ukraine Independence Day on 24th August at the Clartke Foley Centre in Ilkley.
The event highlighted the strength and spirit of the new and growing Ukrainian community in the Ilkley area.
