Judith Beatty comes from a brass banding and singing family background.

Her mother a singer (dance band) and her father a principal cornet player, Judith started playing the trombone as a child and quickly progressed playing both tenor and bass trombone in brass bands and orchestras until her retirement from playing in 1999.

Judith is a graduate of the University of Huddersfield, majoring in conducting and composition. During her time at University she has been allowed to conduct both the university’s excellent orchestra and brass band (under the watchful eye of Philip McCann) in both examination and concert conditions

Judith’s conducting career started at the age of 17 when she conducted her school orchestra and choir. Her recent orchestral conducting performances include Mendelssohn’s overture Fingals Cave and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella (with her husband Jonathan playing the trombone solo). Judith currently conducts Shepley Band as well as various ensemble and orchestral concerts throughout the year.

As a supposedly retired trombone player, Judith has played with the University of Huddersfield Brass Band and played sackbut at both the York and Beverley International Early Music Festival’s. Judith played principal trombone at the Wilkinson’s Contest for Meltham Mills Band after attending only two rehearsals, Judith’s personal favourite however was being invited to play in Gary Cutt’s All-Stars Band with members of Grimethorpe, Fodens YBS and many more.

As a composer, Judith’s works have been performed by professional ensembles including the Galliard Ensemble, The Smith Quartet, the Ensemble Firebird and internationally recognised contempory trombone soloist Barry Webb.

‘Started playing saxophone, lent to me by my sister, when my children began learning brass instruments in primary school.

Learned most of my music from playing in Holme Valley Music Centre Senior Wind Band and Big Band for many years and being surrounded by extremely talented young musicians.  

Have recently started having lessons and should have done so years ago.  Tone and musicality have developed wonderfully under the guidance of a classical clarinet teacher.  

I love brass band music but enjoy playing jazz as well.  Both are difficult and challenging in different ways.’

‘Took up the trombone at the age of 11 at secondary school in Liverpool. Inspired by my old Dad who had brought me up with brass band music and dance bands. He’d played trombone in an RAF band and moonlighted with the likes of Fodens Brass Band and was a great fan of CWS Manchester and Harry Mortimer. The highlight of my musical ‘career’ (until Shepley of course!) was playing with the Merseyside Youth Orchestra when we toured Switzerland in 1972.

Gave up in my early 20’s as family and career made their demands. However, both my kids took up the ‘bone (and played much better than me) but a few years ago the family surprised me at Christmas with a trombone of my own again! So I joined Shepley and tried to catch up on nearly 30 years of not having played.

I enjoy all kinds of music (especially if it’s live) and get a real kick out of playing again. It’s been like riding a bike after all these years - you don’t forget the basics - only the technique!

My ambition? - to feel that I’ve finally mastered this instrument before the next 30 years have disappeared! ’

‘Started playing the piano when I was 11 in Liverpool.  Couldn't carry a piano around, so took up the French Horn.  Kept leaving that on the 66 bus, so changed to a trombone.  Surprise surprise, same orchestra as our chairman. Went to Switzerland as well, played tuba at St Paul's Cathedral London.

Then went to college in York.  Spent 4 years enjoying myself, helping to build a local church organ and then being drafted in by the Minster Organ Builder Geoffrey Coffin to help tune the Minster Organ - what a racket the head verger said! - well it was the loudest stop on the organ!!  Left York and moved back to Liverpool, but due to shift work couldn't return to music. Moved to sunny Yorkshire in 1986 and 10 years later left shift work to work more normal hours!?

Having got married, the organist of the chapel said I should come and join him at a local concert band.  So after more persuasion from Neil, and a nudge from our then horn player Jean Fisher, I joined Shepley Band under Paul Arthur.  Managed to twist the arm of a certain chairman to join, and so 2 trombonists were reunited on the concert stage after some ?? years.  Now for my sins I'm the current treasurer, having swapped with John.

I also played with 2nd Section Brass band Grange Moor.  I still haven't mastered this bass trombone, well with the right arm pumping up and down and the left hand flicking valves open and closed, you're bound to get something wrong occasionally.’