We are a brass band located in Wardle, near Rochdale, Lancashire. Our band was established in the 1990s and belongs to the 1st section. Our name, Anderson, is derived from William Anderson, a former Headteacher of Wardle Academy (formerly known as Wardle High School).
Throughout the years, our band has achieved great success and has moved up from the 4th section to the championship section in 2013.
We’re always on the lookout for like-minded people to join our team, whether that be as a player, a committee member, or a regular supporter.
During the 1990s, the Wardle Anderson brass band was established. Its members were former players from the Wardle Academy Youth Band who had become too old, at 19 years of age, to compete in youth band competitions. The band’s name, Anderson, was inspired by William Anderson, a former Headteacher of Wardle Academy (previously known as Wardle High School). William, who passed away in 1996, had enabled hundreds of children to learn to play brass instruments, without whom the band would not have existed.
In 1997, the band was awarded a National Lottery Grant, which they used to purchase new uniforms and instruments. With their old instruments, they created the Wardle Community Band, whose members included individuals from the community who wanted to learn to play a brass instrument. The Wardle Community Band regularly performs at concerts and events.
Bradley’s musical career began with Porth-Y-Waen silver band, near his home town of Oswestry, Shropshire. Since moving to Manchester for University, Bradley has performed with some of the country’s finest bands including 5 years at The Fairey Band where he is currently principal percussionist.
During his time at the University of Salford, Bradley studied performance and conducting under the direction of Howard Evans, Tom Davoren and Brett Baker. In 2017 he graduated with a 1st class BA Hons in music alongside winning both the Roy Newsome conducting prize and the Iwan Williams performance prize.
Brad joins Wardle Anderson as our current musical director Sean Conway will be stepping down from the role after 14 years. Sean comments ‘’I’ve had a brilliant 16-year association with Wardle Anderson Brass, 14 of which as Musical Director. I’ve had time to contemplate and feel now is the right time to pass the reins over to Brad Mcculloch who is an extremely talented musician who I know is a great fit for the ethos at Wardle Anderson. I will keep a close association with the band and look forward to seeing both Brad and the band flourish in the coming years”
From all at Wardle Anderson Brass, we would like to thank Sean for his hard work, commitment and dedication he has given to the band over the last 16 years, and we wish him well for the future.
We’ve launched our new online store where you can buy event tickets, band merchandise and enter upcoming fundraising raffles!
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