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 33 years later, especially as local music teachers tell us that young musicians don’t even know what a concert band is.

Summer Term - "Schools Concert"
The band's Summer 2011 concert programme includes so much modern music that not inviting young players to join us seemed stupid. So all young musicians are invited to take part in a workshop with Training Band and/or Concert Band, and to join us for the evening concert of music from Lady GaGa, Coldplay, Wicked .... and many more. The workshop & concert are timed around the Carnival parade, so anyone wishing to do both will still be able to.

Workshop Timings :
2:00pm            Training Band Rehearsal Starts
2:50pm            Training Band Rehearsal Ends
3:00pm            Concert Band Rehearsal Starts
5:00pm            Concert Band Rehearsal Ends (*)
(*) There’ll be a break half way through the Concert Band Rehearsal.

Concert Timings :
6:45pm            Bands arrive
7:00pm            Tune up
7:30pm            Concert Starts
9:40pm            Concert Ends (approx)

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Spring Term - "Concert in a Day"
Every Spring Term we run one of our popular "Concert In A Day" events, where we invite players from local secondary schools to join us for an afternoon rehearsal followed by an evening concert. This year the event was held in Coggeshall on Saturday 5th March, and included both Training Band (Grades 1-4) and Concert Band (Grade 4+).

Workshop Timings :
2:00pm Training Band Rehearsal Starts
2:40pm Training Band Rehearsal Ends
2:45pm Concert Band Rehearsal Starts
5:00pm Concert Band Rehearsal Ends (*)
(*) There’ll be a break half way through the Concert Band Rehearsal.

Concert Timings :
6:45pm Bands arrive
7:00pm Tune up
7:30pm Concert Starts
9:40pm Concert Ends (approx)

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Autumn Term - "Band Experience Days"
We also run weekend "Band Experience Days" during the Autumn Term, where local Primary and Secondary School players are invited to join with us while we play through some of our easiest series of music arrangements, helped by other young players as well as experienced instrumental experts. These days have turned out to be hugely enjoyable & beneficial for everyone who's taken part, giving youngsters new experiences and an exposure to lots of different types of music.
This year we’ll be involving more schools than ever, with the workshops being held on the dates below :

Saturday 15 Oct 2011 Training Band Experience Day, West Bergholt Church
Saturday 12 Nov 2011 Training Band Experience Day, West Bergholt Church
Saturday 26 Nov 2011 Training & Concert Band Experience Day (with a Concert), St Botolph's Colchester

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These are a great opportunity for anyone who’s beginning an instrument to come along and enjoy playing in a band alongside lots of other first timers from a range of local schools, supported by the band’s more experienced players. The workshops are great fun for everyone, so please do feel free to come along.

The Band Training Days culminate in a concert at Colchester’s finest concert venue – St Botolph’s – which is a treat for anyone to perform in, and an experience not to be missed.

• "Thank you for the Training Band workshop yesterday. My daughter Sophie enjoyed it so much she would like to attend the next two"

For more details or to reserve your place, please email Graham@wbcb.org, or phone 01206 824157.