Our principal conductor is David Thomas G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M., Cert. Ed.. David received Professional Music Training, and taught for over 20 years at a High School close to his home city of Hereford, England. You can see a most unflattering picture or two of David by clicking here. If you wish try looking at his own website.
The band has an Associate Conductor, Leigh Phillips BA Mus., who lives and works in South Wales. He is Head of Music in a Sixth Form College, and also is very busy as a composer and arranger. You can link to his website by clicking here.
The band also has an Assistant Musical Director ~ local teacher David Kemp. David is Head of Music at Queen Elizabeth High School, Bromyard.
Foe further details about these people, click here.
For the majority of the time, the Band rehearses at St. Richard's Preparatory School, Bredenbury, HR7 4TD, near to Bromyard in Herefordshire, England. You will find Bredenbury on the A44, three miles west of Bromyard, and about nine miles east of Leominster. Click here for a map of the area. The members of the band are most grateful to the previous Headmaster of the school, Richard Coghlan, who allowed them to use the school's facilities whilst he was Head at the school. Richard is also the band's President, and plays trombone in the group. The Band is most happy to continue using the school's facilities, working with the new Headmaster, Nathan Cheeseman. On the first Friday of every month however, we rehearse at the Falcon Hotel in Bromyard. This is at the request of the hotel's owner's who are trying to encourage the musical scene in Bromyard. To see a map for this venue click here.
The band rehearses most Friday evenings from 7.30pm - 9.15pm, usually in the School Hall. The season starts in September, to coincide with the start of the School Year, and ends in late May or early June the following year. Most concerts are performed on a Friday evening too, if at all possible. Please see the 'Engagements' page for further details.
A Symphonic Wind Ensemble will have the following instrumentation. There are other minor permutations possible, but these would be with instruments that are not very common, such as an Eb clarinet. Woodwind: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone. Brass: Trumpet / Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium / Bb Baritone, Tuba. Percussion: Drum Kit, Timpani, Mallet Percussion such as Glockenspiel, and numerous other instruments. Occasionally a String Double Bass or Electric Bass Guitar will be used......yes a string instrument in a wind group is possible!
You really do. The band does own a few specialist instruments, such as a Drum Kit, Tuba and Piccolo, but 99.9% of the members use their own instruments.
Subscriptions are £20 per year generally, and £10 for students, unwaged and 'retired', with reduced payments for those who join in the middle of the Band's Financial Year which runs from the January 1st to December 31st. Subs are due after the Annual General Meeting. In effect this means anyone who joins in September will pay one half subs, with a full sub due the following February.
We play all types / ranges / styles. Most original Wind Band music is relatively modern, but we do try to play pieces from all music genres. Pieces can range from 'Classical' arrangements through the 'Miller' era, to modern pieces by present-day composers. If you would like to see some recent programme pieces, click here, or to listen to a track from a band CD recording, click here.
The minimum standard of players would be about Grade 4, and the most advanced players are of professional standard. The very nature of the group allows for this wide range of abilities and just because you might have a 'Grade 6' and another player might 'only be Grade 4', does not mean that the '4' player is not as good as the '6'. It will depend on your playing experiences as well as your ability. If wishing to join the band you will be expected to audition and come along to a rehearsal. (See below for further details).
Complete the Enrolment / Messages Form or contact the Musical Director by telephone or E-mail. Please telephone using the number 01432 352006 or press this E-mail link. David will ask you a few questions, such as.... where you live, [yes that's not a miss-print!...it's no good wanting to play in the band if you live in Aberdeen is it? ], what you play, and your playing standard! Don't be modest, but don't tell lies either! It is very easy to say you are brilliant when you are not. You will be asked to attend a Rehearsal, (and 'sit-in'), and afterwards possibly have to play an audition piece. For further information see the Join Page. Although players of any suitable instrument are usually welcome, please note that some places/instruments are not available at the moment. You can see a list of current vacancies by clicking here.
How can I book the Band for a 'gig'?
Complete the Booking Form or contact David Thomas..... contact information is in the paragraph above this one, and there are e-addresses at the bottom of this page. If you prefer to write, please do so to: 3 Holmer Road, Hereford, HR4 9RX, England.