About Us
Our Story
Hook Norton Brass Band proudly celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2021, marking a long and vibrant history of music-making in the community.
The band was founded in 1886, when a group of railway workers building the Great Western Railway joined forces with local villagers in Hook Norton. Their first rehearsals took place at the village brewery, thanks to John Harris, a brewery director and the band’s first bandmaster.
The band thrived in the early 20th century, but like many village bands, faced challenges after the Second World War. Rather than disband, Hook Norton Brass Band adapted - relocating to Banbury and welcoming players from across the region.
In 1999, the band became a registered charity, strengthening its mission to make brass banding accessible to all. Today, we continue that commitment by offering a large stock of instruments, ensuring that no one is held back by not owning their own.
Our Roots in Hook Norton
Although now based in Banbury, we remain deeply proud of our origins in the village of Hook Norton.
Our long-standing connection with the Hook Norton Brewery continues to this day - the brewery is our main sponsor, and its current Managing Director, James Clarke, serves as our Band President—a role also held by his father and grandfather before him.
We honour our heritage by returning to the village three times a year, performing formal Spring, Autumn, and Christmas concerts in the beautiful setting of St. Peter’s Church.
Musical Director
Shaun Humphries combines his conducting career with work in education.
He currently works as a music teacher at a middle school in Bedfordshire, is writing a music theory guide as well running a life coaching business for musicians.