Alderley District Scout Band

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Alderley District Scout Band is part of the Scout Association and within this is part of Alderley District and Scouting in Cheshire. The band is in fact the only scout band left in Cheshire.

The band is a traditional marching and display band which was originally formed in 1963 with one bugle and drum. For years the band went from strength to strength regularly taking part in competitions under the TYMBA (Traditional Marching Band Association) and the BYBA (British Youth Band Association) rules. During this time the band won over 500 trophies including many Supreme Champions, the last one being in 1998.

In 1994 the band was invited to play at Windsor Castle in front of the Duchess of Kent. This was the second time they had been asked to play there, the first time was in front of the Queen in 1984. They have also appeared in the Royal Tournament and on Television, been invited to march in the London Parade, the Lord’s Mayor of Manchester’s Parade and toured Holland in 1992 and Belgium in 1995.

Unfortunately after all this excitement the band started to decline and by the end of 2000 was down to under 10 members, only 3 of whom were under 25. This meant that they could no longer compete. Drastic action was needed. David Piltz (Band Master) and Simon Taylor (Deputy Band Master) set about recruiting new members and by January 2001 had 6 potential members. The band has since gone from strength to strength, and from October 2003 began competing again in competitions within TYMBA, usually taking part in between 3 and 4 competitions a year, as well as performing at various parades and fetes within the local community.

In 2007, the band was asked to provide a Drum Corps to join with drummers from 1st Syston Scout and Guide Band to perform at the National Scout St George's Day Parade at Windsor. This was in front of the Queen for the Centenary year of Scouting.

The band consists of boys and girls with ages ranging from 8 to adult. Many members also belong to other scout groups in the area. All trainees are taught British Military style drill and marching. In the past most trainees were taught to play the bugle first and then given the opportunity to progress to other instruments which gave them a sense of achievement and made them interactive within the band. This has not always been possible, and occasionally members are placed on other instruments in order for them to progress within the band.