Meet the Bands
The Youth Band was formed in 1995 and is the last band in the organisation that players perform in until they reach the age of 19.
The band rehearses in the bandroom on a Saturday morning from 10.30 a.m. untill 11.30 a.m. under their musical director Emma Clark. Entry into the youth band is by players who have reached the required level in the junior band or by applying to join the youth band directly at this more advanced level.
The youth band has experienced playing at a number of music festivals and competitions. In 2010 it won both the Henry White Trophy in the Under 19 age group and also the Joan Taylor Cup for the overall band at the Newcastle Festival of Music. In March 2011 it took part in the Music for Youth Regional Festival at Warrington.
The Band gives many concerts in a year often supporting local charities and appear at local events. Further a field it has taken part in the International Fun Day at Morecambe and appeared at Camelot. It joins forces with the beginner, junior bands and the co-operative Funeralcare Band to perform twice a year.
The band rehearses in the bandroom on a Saturday morning from 10.30 a.m. untill 11.30 a.m. under their musical director Emma Clark. Entry into the youth band is by players who have reached the required level in the junior band or by applying to join the youth band directly at this more advanced level.
The youth band has experienced playing at a number of music festivals and competitions. In 2010 it won both the Henry White Trophy in the Under 19 age group and also the Joan Taylor Cup for the overall band at the Newcastle Festival of Music. In March 2011 it took part in the Music for Youth Regional Festival at Warrington.
The Band gives many concerts in a year often supporting local charities and appear at local events. Further a field it has taken part in the International Fun Day at Morecambe and appeared at Camelot. It joins forces with the beginner, junior bands and the co-operative Funeralcare Band to perform twice a year.
The Beginner Band is the most recent addition to the organisation and was set up in January 2010. Conducted by Anna Mitchyn, it is the final piece in the realisation of a plan to have a structured system in place to introduce young musicians to the fun of banding. Some members of the band have only been playing for a very short time and know only a few notes when they come to us. They are ably helped by some members of the youth band to improve and perform in band concerts with the junior and youth bands. Along the way they will gain the skills needed to progress to the junior band. New members are always welcome. The beginner band rehearses on a Monday evening from 6.30 p.m. untill 7.30 p.m in the bandroom. Details of how to become a member of the co-operative Wind Bands can be found on the contacts page.
It became quite obvious in late 2004 that there was a need for another band in the organisation. The demand to join The youth band meant that a waiting list had to be set up as there were not enough places for everyone who wanted to join. The Junior Band was therefore set up in January 2005. It has developed from a handful of players to a band of over 40 aged between 8 and 14 years. Some youth band players double up by playing their second instrument in the junior band.
Players progress to the youth band when the required standard is achieved and there is a vacancy for that instrument.
The junior band, conducted by Emma Clark, has experienced playing at a number of festivals and competitions. They have gained 2nd place at the Newcastle Music Festival in 2010 and 2011 and have qualified for The Music for Youth National Festival at Symphony Hall, Birmingham in July 2011. The junior band regularly give concerts play at events and twice a year join with the youth, beginners and the co-operative Funeralcare Band to perform locally.
Entry to the junior band is gained by reaching the required standard in the beginners band or players can apply to join the junior band directly. The junior band rehearses in the bandroom on a Saturday morning from 9 a.m. untill 10.15 a.m. Details of how to join can be found on the contacts page.
Players progress to the youth band when the required standard is achieved and there is a vacancy for that instrument.
The junior band, conducted by Emma Clark, has experienced playing at a number of festivals and competitions. They have gained 2nd place at the Newcastle Music Festival in 2010 and 2011 and have qualified for The Music for Youth National Festival at Symphony Hall, Birmingham in July 2011. The junior band regularly give concerts play at events and twice a year join with the youth, beginners and the co-operative Funeralcare Band to perform locally.
Entry to the junior band is gained by reaching the required standard in the beginners band or players can apply to join the junior band directly. The junior band rehearses in the bandroom on a Saturday morning from 9 a.m. untill 10.15 a.m. Details of how to join can be found on the contacts page.
The Youth Band.
The Junior Band.
The Beginner Band.
Please scroll down for details of the Youth, Junior and Beginner bands
Anna Mitchyn has conducted the band since September 2011
The band with former conductor Helen Fairclough
