Welcome to the Downton Training Band
The band at the Wessex Youth & Training Band Contest in Downton, 29 January 2011
Training Up: Contest Report by Katie & Carrie
On the 29th of January, we had a training and youth band contest where taining and youth bands came from all over the South. There were 8 training bands in total & 3 youth.
We had a really fun day taking pictures and hanging out in the rehearsal areas. As the last band, when it was time for us to go on, we had to be really quiet & focussed. As we walked on, we knew exactly what we had to do- impress them with out variations of pitch and different sounds. They also wanted us to sustain the notes more as the bar ended.
Our first piece was Slaidburn, in which we carried out our playing well. In the other piececs we did equally as well, especially the hymn, Crimond, in which we came 3rd place out of all the bands! After playing our programme, we walked off the stage feeling extremely proud of ourselves.
After we had played it was the youth bands turn, and we watched them whilst waiting for the results. They were very good and entertained us well, too. When the results came, we were dissappointed but also took the criticism constructively, and will aim for better positioning next year!
By Katie & Carrie
Downton is proud to have a thriving Training Band encouraging a new generation of enthusiastic players. Led by Liz Tanner and senior band conductor Roland Wright. the Training Band is a fully functioning brass band in their own right, performing their own calendar of concerts and contests. Initially set up as a feeder to the main band, the Training Band aims to encourage the musical talents of anyone wishing to join regardless of background.
Currently members from primary school age through to 70 plus can be found enjoying making music here, at the Band Hall on Wednesday evenings at 6.45pm.
Experienced section leaders from the Senior Band support the Training Band players every week. Not only is it fun to practice with others but it also provides excellent experience for players to move to the Senior Band should they wish.
During the year, the Training Band have a calendar of their own engagements along with joint concerts hosted by both bands.
The Wessex Youth Brass Band Festival every year, provides a fantastic competitive experience for the players: 2009 was a superb year for the band as we were awarded the 'Best Deportment' prize as well as the prize for the youngest player (aged 5!).
All Training Band members are encouraged to join the Senior Band’s rehearsal once a month, to develop and broaden their playing expertise, should they wishAll this for the equivalent of 50p a week!