By Heidi Hardman-Welsh
When you walk into a rehearsal of the Maghull Wind Orchestra, what strikes you first is not just the beautifully impressive music but the sense of belonging.
Under the guidance of musical director Phil Shotton, 42, the orchestra has grown into a thriving community of over 100 musicians, spanning all ages and abilities. Founded more than 45 years ago, it has grown from a small local band into a charming symphonic ensemble.
On September 20, the Maghull Wind Orchestra will fill the Tung Auditorium in Liverpool with the sounds of cinema in their “100 Years of Cinema” concert, featuring music from How to Train Your Dragon to the original Batman soundtrack.
With tickets now sold out, anticipation is building for what promises to be a truly spectacular evening.
Phil Shotton: Guiding the Music and the Musicians
“I play my instruments every day,” explained musical director Phil. “But if you’re playing as a hobby, life gets in the way. People are busy, they’ve got jobs, family, yet they still come on a Tuesday night to play and enjoy themselves. That’s good, but it can be challenging. They might have some technical difficulties or simply not be in the right headspace.”
To address this, Phil begins each session with a collective warm-up, including scales and harmony exercises, that both settle the musicians and prepare them mentally.
But Phil believes that the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. He stated: “When we perform a concert and it goes well; we’ve created something that wasn’t there before. The joy it brings to the musicians and the audience… that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Community and Inclusivity
The orchestra’s community focus extends beyond the rehearsal room. Phil noted that the weekly rehearsals combat loneliness and provide mental health support.
“They’re coming along every week, socialising with people, making music together. It’s like a family. Having that kind of belonging to something does wonders for the community, especially for our members.”
Balancing a high musical standard with fun is central to Phil’s approach. He said: “You have to keep your rehearsals fast-paced. Be clever with your language so you’re not putting people off, encourage people all the time, and make sure everybody’s engaged. I try to make rehearsals jovial, crack a few jokes, and have a bit of banter but we also take it seriously.”
The orchestra’s inclusive philosophy is clear in its funding and participation policies. Membership is free, and there is no audition process, removing barriers that might prevent someone from joining.
Phil said: “Charging people puts them off. We want to encourage people to come along. There is a voluntary donation option, but you don’t have to pay to be part of the band.”
Funding for concerts and music is raised through ticket sales, performance fees, and occasional donations, all managed by their dedicated treasurer.
A Group like no other
Flute player and orchestra chair Kate Warriner, 44, believes the orchestra represents more than just a creative outlet; it’s a community that embraces everyone. Kate joined in 2005, years after completing a bachelor’s degree in music, and has been a part of the group ever since.
She said: “It’s such a brilliant way to relax, to bring people together. I’ve got lots of friends, both here and in other musical groups. The orchestra is a really special part of my life.”
Kate has served on the orchestra committee for over a decade, first as social secretary and now as chair. “When I started, we were moving from a Royal British Legion band into a more symphonic wind orchestra. Part of that development was getting people together socially, building community. Being chair has allowed me to help put on amazing concerts and gigs that bring music and entertainment to the local area.”
One of the orchestra’s most distinct features is its diversity. Kate explained: “Our youngest members might be seven or eight, and our oldest have been in their 90s. And there’s a whole range of abilities, from beginners to professional musicians. We’re passionate about making music accessible. That’s what makes us special.”
74-year-old saxophonist Elly Philips stated that Maghull Wind Orchestra has become an essential part of her life. She said: “It’s been very important to me in my retirement, it’s a very socially active group and it’s a nice place for me to go and talk to people.
“And it keeps my brain alive as well. You’ve got to think quite hard, even though I’m not the most accomplished musician, I do have to focus on the music itself. So it’s both a skill and a social activity.”
Rehearsals are just as rewarding as the shows, Elly said: “During rehearsals there’s a lot of camaraderie, but also quite a lot of humour that causes great amusement.
“The performances are always enjoyable, and I think part of that is because our musical director is very good at engaging an audience and has his own brand of jokes. We’ve heard them all before, but we still laugh.”
From Humble Beginnings to Big Performances
Over the years, the orchestra has evolved dramatically. Growing from a modest band of musicians into a versatile ensemble capable of delivering grand orchestral performances.
Looking forward, the orchestra is preparing ambitious projects, including a mass bands concert in November 2026. Where they will have 200 musicians combined with Anglican Cathedral choirs, with around 400 performers in total. Phil said: “Staging big events like that pushes the band forward and moves us on from 12 people playing on a park bandstand.”
The Heart of the Orchestra
Phil attributes the orchestra’s success not only to musical excellence but also to the supportive committee, welcoming environment, and engaging repertoire he creates. He said: “We’re always moving forward, looking to the next thing. The standard of the band, the standard of the concerts, and that great family feeling; that’s why we’re going from strength to strength.”
The Maghull Wind Orchestra is a community where every musician has a place to play, grow, and belong. As Phil Shotton puts it, “Music is a social thing… the human connection between conductor, musicians, and audience; that’s the most rewarding thing of all.”
Heidi Hardman-Welsh 