West Bergholt Concert Band

Back in 1978 when the band started, there were very few opportunities for young musicians to play in a concert band…which is why the band was created.
It’s still one of the band’s main aims 32 years later, especially as local music teachers tell us that young musicians don’t even know what a concert band is.

So, five years ago we started to invite musicians from local primary schools to join with our Training Band for some weekend workshops…and these turned out to be hugely enjoyable for everyone, whilst also giving youngsters new experiences and exposure to lots of different types of music. This year’s workshops will involve more schools than ever, and are being held on the following dates :

·     Saturday 16th October 2.30pm - 4.30pm, West Bergholt
·     Saturday 6th November 2.30pm - 4.30pm, West Bergholt
·     Saturday 20th November 2.00pm - 4.00pm, St Botolph’s

The workshops are a great opportunity for anyone who’s beginning an instrument to come along and enjoy playing in a band alongside other first timers with support from the band’s experienced players. The workshops are relaxed, great fun and include some great music - so please email graham@wbcb.org <mailto:graham@wbcb.org> for further details or to reserve your place.

The workshops culminate in a concert at St Botolph’s, with Training Band performing everything from Glenn Miller & Duke Ellington to Barry Manilow & Motown, followed by Concert Band playing “The Best Of British”, featuring music from John Lennon, Holst, Andrew Lloyd-Webber & Queen.
·     Saturday November 20th : 7:30pm, St Botolph’s : In aid of Riding For The
Disabled

All of these activities follow on from a typically busy summer term which saw the band perform three concerts of completely different music in ten weeks, which raised over £2000 for charities. Clacton’s West Cliff Theatre reported “very happy punters” after another successful Last Night Of The Proms concert in June, and our July concert at St Botolph’s included a typically varied programme of music from Copland, Coldplay, Sondheim, Sousa, Artie Shaw & Elvis among others.

As you can see from all of this, the band continues to be a popular group for both musicians & audiences, and with September being a great time to join the band, please either visit us at Heathlands on any term-time Friday evening, or come along to our workshops. The band’s website contains details of all our events, or you can also email us or phone Graham on 824157.