Would you like to join? Are you learning to play an instrument? Great, join us, get some practice and have fun.
Wadhurst Brass Band aims is to provide a friendly place where all those interested in music can come to learn and develop their musical talent. That includes the young and not so young, those with experience and those with a little, all are welcome.
The training Band meets every Thursday night at 19:00h (seven o’clock in the evening) to rehearse at the Uplands Community College, located in the centre of Wadhust. You are welcome to ‘pop by’, say hello and talk to the Training Band Director and the band’s members. You can listen to rehearsals, discuss the instrument or instruments of your choice, get to know new ones or talk about your musical ambitions.
Without newcomers Brass Band playing will die away! Pluck a little courage to knock on the door and you will see how easy and enjoyable the rest is. In case you feel to shy just to show up, you can contact Jenny Cooper, whose in charge of the training band.
As we say we are always pleased to see new players, young and old alike, beginers or not. Linda, one of our 3rd conrnet players wrote a piece for our Spring Concert 2012 programme. Here it is and we hope it might encourage you to come along and play with the band.
You really are “never too old”
To say I was a late comer to music is a huge understatement. In 2007, an asthmatic of pensionable age, I was fortunate to be able to join Wadhurst Brass Band.
Prior to this, I had no musical knowledge. I had not played any musical instrument and learning to read music was akin to trying to read at primary school. I actually thought that a “quaver” was a type of potato crisp, “allegro” an old Austin car and “mezzo forte” something to do with a hotel chain! After sitting with the band at a Thursday night practise, I was well and truly hooked. That feeling remains with me to this day. I was then invited to join the Training Band and this is where the music making began.
Since then, I have been able to join the main band. I was honoured to be with them at the Menin Gate in 2010, and I look forward to travelling to Germany with them this year. To say my progress has been somewhat of a slog is another understatement. It is often slow and frustrating. When I finally mastered “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” I felt as though I had finally arrived at Everest Base Camp! Thankfully, my repertoire has broadened somewhat since those early days and the music becomes even more rewarding.
I have received a wealth of support and encouragement from band members and I am fortunate to be given a weekly cornet lesson by Algy – a man of great skill, and even greater patience and optimism. This musical adventure has been an experience that I wish I had begun years earlier. The joy comes not only from the music making, but also from new friendships made and of modest personal achievement.
So, Wadhurst Band, pat yourselves on the back. You have accomplished quite a feat in my, perhaps not too modest, success. My grateful “Thanks” to everyone of you.
Linda (Proud to be 3rd Cornet)