Our Musical Director
Emma Gray has been the musical director of Whittlesey Concert Band since June 2025. She originally joined the band as a clarinetist in 2012. Alongside her conducting she is a music teacher at a local secondary school where she is passionate about encouraging young people to engage with music.
Emma studied at Birmingham Conservatoire, studying clarinet, recorder and piano. She studied a wide range of musical genres, with a particular focus on Baroque and Classical repertoire. During her degree Emma performed with numerous musical ensembles, explored Kodaly and Dalcroze teaching approaches and took opportunities to study abroad. Later Emma completed her PGCE teacher training in Birmingham, working at youth music camps, leading the Birmingham National Recorder Orchestra and other youth music ensembles.
Outside of music-making Emma has three young children who between them play trombone, piano, drum kit, cornet and violin, and a husband who plays the flute. Life is rarely quiet!!
When not rehearsing or teaching Emma enjoys baking, painting and spending time in the garden.
Emma firmly believes that music is for everyone and aims to challenge more experienced musicians while supporting those at the very beginning of their musical journey. Rehearsals are relaxed, inclusive and enjoyable, with the occasional risk of over-enthusiastic conducting moment and a misplaced baton!
Emma Gray has been the musical director of Whittlesey Concert Band since June 2025. She originally joined the band as a clarinetist in 2012. Alongside her conducting she is a music teacher at a local secondary school where she is passionate about encouraging young people to engage with music.
Emma studied at Birmingham Conservatoire, studying clarinet, recorder and piano. She studied a wide range of musical genres, with a particular focus on Baroque and Classical repertoire. During her degree Emma performed with numerous musical ensembles, explored Kodaly and Dalcroze teaching approaches and took opportunities to study abroad. Later Emma completed her PGCE teacher training in Birmingham, working at youth music camps, leading the Birmingham National Recorder Orchestra and other youth music ensembles.
Outside of music-making Emma has three young children who between them play trombone, piano, drum kit, cornet and violin, and a husband who plays the flute. Life is rarely quiet!!
When not rehearsing or teaching Emma enjoys baking, painting and spending time in the garden.
Emma firmly believes that music is for everyone and aims to challenge more experienced musicians while supporting those at the very beginning of their musical journey. Rehearsals are relaxed, inclusive and enjoyable, with the occasional risk of over-enthusiastic conducting moment and a misplaced baton!
Who are Whittlesey Concert Band?
Whittlesey Concert Band brings together professional and amateur musicians from the Whittlesey and Peterborough area to rehearse together on a weekly basis and perform several times a year in and around Cambridgeshire. The band performs a wide repertoire of popular music from the shows, films, classics as well as marches and a range of 'classical' repertoire.
Originally called Whittlesey Wind Ensemble, we were launched in September 2012 by conductor and musician Barry Strickle with the aim to establish a quality community wind ensemble in Whittlesey and Peterborough area. In June 2014 Barry Strickle retired and the ensemble welcomed Colin Radford as their new Conductor and became Whittlesey Concert Band. Kevin Mackie was appointed as our Musical Director following on from Colin, and we performed at a wide range of concerts over the following few years. Steve Ingham then took the baton with his extensive experience with brass bands. Emma Gray is now our Musical Director, and she continues the tradition of being open and friendly while also holding the band to high standards of rehearsal and performance.
Whittlesey Concert Band has developed a diverse repertoire to appeal to all age groups and has a reputation for a high standard of performance. The music is light classical, themes from films and shows, some popular music and even the occasional military march. The group is the first high quality ensemble to be based in Whittlesey allowing local musicians the chance to pursue their musical interest close to home. The group performs several concerts each year. Just as we welcome young people in the band, we also welcome families and young people, and their friends in our audience.
Whittlesey Concert Band are available to book to play for a wide range of events including light music for dinners, receptions, celebrations and festivals. Please contact us at whittleseycb@gmail.com with any enquiries.
Upcoming Events
Spring Concert in aid of MacMillan Saturday 21st March 2026 5-6pm with tea and cake after
Whittlesey Baptist Church, Gracious Street, Whittlesey Donations only
Tydd St Mary
Ramsey Bands on the Green Sunday 13th July 2025 2-4pm free bring a picnic, buy some cake
Whittlesey Festival Saturday 14th September tbc
The Magic of Christmas Saturday 29th November 7.30 pm £8/£5 raffle and refreshments Whittlesey Baptist Church, Whittlesey
Enjoy our Music
Listen
Whittlesey Baptist Church, Gracious Street, Whittlesey Donations only
Tydd St Mary
Ramsey Bands on the Green Sunday 13th July 2025 2-4pm free bring a picnic, buy some cake
Whittlesey Festival Saturday 14th September tbc
The Magic of Christmas Saturday 29th November 7.30 pm £8/£5 raffle and refreshments Whittlesey Baptist Church, Whittlesey
Enjoy our Music
Listen
Want Whittlesey Concert Band to sing at your next function?
Why not hire Whittlesey Concert Band to entertain at your next event? We can perform at corporate functions, charity events, community Entertainment events, birthday parties, christmas parties, awards nights, weddings, engagements, anniversaries, engagements, and even funerals and memorial services.
