Investment in the training of new players is the key to secure the future of any band. We are fortunate that funding has been secured to allow us to fulfil this ambition. The initial idea to form a training band began in 2003. Key players such as Alan Waite and Martin Briggs have worked hard to provide young and older people the opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument. They have liaised closely with several schools in the local area and with the local community at large. Their efforts have proved to be very effective with an influx of new members, thus forming the Alford Silver Training Band. This success has allowed us to repeat the programme as part of our ongoing training policy. There is no age restriction to join the Training Band. Some members have now progressed to play with the main band attending concerts, church services and fêtes.
Conductor
Stephen Walker, the Training Band’s Musical Director has worked particularly hard with the trainees and the results are superb. His expertise has allowed the Training Band to drive forward and progress with determination and excitement. As a professional musician, both performer and teacher, we had no doubt that his experience would make him the ideal person to take on such a role.
Mentors and Welfare Officer
During rehearsals, mentors are also a part of our invaluable team. They give great support to the trainees, providing on-hand assistance when required. Their efforts ensure that the trainees are not left alone to struggle by themselves. The band strictly follows the Child Protection Policies, and supports Equal Opportunities to allow and provide training for all.
In addition a Welfare Officer has been appointed for both parents/guardians and trainees to help resolve any problems that they may have with their training.
Concerts
The Training Band always looks forward to performing. Enabling them to demonstrate what they have learned in the rehearsal room. They have performed as guests at the Alford Silver Band’s Annual Concert, in numerous Christmas engagements and in their very own concert at Willoughby Church.
Funding and the Future
The Training Band is supported by Alford Silver Band who is self-financing. Spare instruments have been allocated to the Training Band and additional instruments have been provided. However, the Alford Silver Band now realises that they must develop more time and resources towards fundraising activities in order to provide their continued support. We are delighted to have been awarded funding allowing to purchase new instruments. The existing instruments are being donated to the Training Band.
Contacts
Are you interested in joining? We provide the tuition, brass specialist, rehearsal room and instrument loan for the amount of £1 per training session (plus the cost of any tuition books). Typically the duration of a training session is 30 – 45 minutes. Rehearsals run concurrent with school terms and start each Wednesday from 6.15 pm onwards. If you are interested and would like to join, please contact our acting band secretary Mike Green on 01507 464874 or 07899 745173. Alternatively, please click here.
