JOINING THE BAND
MUSICAL DIRECTOR VACANCY
JOINING THE BAND
We have three different groups which offer a variety of options to get involved with the band.
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We rehearse every Monday evening (except bank holidays) at Abbots Hall Primary School.
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Beginner band and Training band run from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and the Main band runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
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After a settling in period, there is a membership subscription of £8 a month for over 25s, and £5 a month for 25s and under. We cap this for a maximum of two members per family. Membership includes use of an instrument (if needed), uniform, all music and usually at least one social event a year! If this cost is prohibitive to anyone joining then we are happy to discuss this on an individual and confidential basis.
MAIN BAND
We welcome any players to join the main band and do not tend to limit numbers on sections - we regularly have more than the standard brass band number of 25...after all, every band needs six trombones, doesn't it?!
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We have no audition process and would encourage anyone to come along and give us a go. Generally, we tend to move our training band players into the main band when they are roughly grade 4/5 standard so this might be a guide to the level, but we welcome players who are returning and are a bit rusty so this certainly isn't a given!
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We have a good stock of instruments which are available to borrow - this is included in our members subscriptions.
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We are currently particularly keen to hear from the following instrumentalists:
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Cornets - front row or back row
Tenor horns - to double on parts/cover absences
Tuned percussion - general percussion and timpani
TRAINING BAND
Our training band is suitable for both adults and children and on any instruments. We welcome new players directly to this if they can generally play a C major scale on their instrument and understand how to read music.
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Players of up to a grade 3/4 standard are welcome, as are adults who are returning to playing and aren't sure if they are ready for the main band.
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We have instruments available if needed, which are included in membership subscriptions. All uniform and music is provided.
BEGINNER BAND
We accept complete beginners into the band usually on an annual basis. We would usually invite prospective players to come along and try out some instruments to find something that suits them. Group tuition is then offered as we work through the fundamentals of playing and reading music.
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This group may also be suitable for children who have been learning in school as a class.
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We offer our beginner players the opportunity to undertake ABRSM Music Medals and do expect players to practice regularly in between rehersals so they can progress at a good pace.
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We are now recruiting for our next beginners group (to start February-April 2022) but can take enquiries at any time.