Tradition and Pride
Isle of Wight Youth Development In Music
About the Band
est 1976 - 2024
Medina Marching Band is a youth marching band based on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, and we are proud to be a true military styled marching band with a long-standing tradition as one of the's foremost youth marching bands. Our band is based on the style of HM Royal Marines Band Service, with the unmistakable jackets, white helmets, and caps that make us stand out from the crowd. We have been marching for 47 years now, and we are welcomed and recognised playing at familiar parades, shows, and events, up and down the length and breadth of the country.
In a world that borders traditions which are being eroded and forgotten, we strive to keep the United Kingdom Marching Band's identity and traditions alive. Our members have embraced their music since the band was founded in 1976, and we cater to total beginners and more experienced players alike who desire the opportunity to play a traditional musical instrument in a traditional setting. Our band members come from various backgrounds, upbringings, and musical knowledge, and we have ages starting from as young as 8 years old. We can even boast entire family memberships.
The band was founded in 1976 by the late George Urry, and over the years, we have won almost every award possible for youth marching bands. Mr. Urry died in 1998, and since then, we have been run by a committee headed up by Chairman Kevin Hayward until early 2023, last year, when our beloved Chairman lost his battle with cancer. Moving on throughout the remaining 2023 season, Kevin Downer Vice Chairman has been voted in by the Medina Marching Band family as Head Chairman and will carry on the legacy George Urry and Kevin Hayward left behind.
01
Where do you usually practice?
"Our rehearsals take place at Christ The King College on Wellington Rd in Newport, Isle of Wight, every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm to 9, with a short break for refreshments. Additionally, we offer a training band rehearsal on Sunday mornings from 10am to 11am at Nine Acres Primary School on South View in Newport, PO30 1QP. This session provides a more personalized 1-2-1 hour to assist and perfect your musical skills and technique, as well as marching drill practice, for anyone interested in joining our main rehearsals."
02
Hey, can you tell me what you guys do during rehearsals?
"In preparation for the upcoming carnivals, parades, and events, we conduct meetings to ensure that we are fully prepared. These meetings involve practicing drills on the parade ground, receiving one-on-one and sectional instruction in dedicated classrooms with a full band, and participating in Corps of Drum rehearsals."
03
How do I go about becoming a member?
"To become a part of Medina Marching Band, you can use the 'Join Now' or 'Contact Us' link below. We offer instruments and training on our rehearsal nights at Christ The King College, which has modern facilities. You can also try our training band rehearsals on Sunday mornings at Nine Acres Primary before joining."