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'Questions Page' (F.A.Q.) ~ Bromyard Symphonic Wind Band
Who are the Conductors / Musical Directors?Our principal director is David Thomas G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M., Cert. Ed.. David received Professional Music Training, and taught for over 20 years at a High School close to his home city of Hereford, England.For more details about David, click here. He does have is own small website; click here for access to that.We have one Assistant Conductor, Colin Hales, who retired from the position of Bandmaster of the Household Cavalry, in 2017.. For more information about Colin, please click here.For our website page details about others who conduct us occasionally, click here.Back to TopWhere does the Band rehearse?We rehearse at the Falcon Hotel in Bromyard, usually in the Ballroom, but occasionally in the Mews, adjacent to the Hotel. We are most happy to use these facilities, and are thankful to the Hotel's owner, John Silver for his co-operation. More details below. To see a map for this venue click here. Back to TopWhen does the Band rehearse?The band rehearses on Friday evenings from 7.30pm - 9.15pm. The season starts in September, to coincide with the start of the School Year, and ends in mid-July the following year. Most concerts are performed on a Friday evening too, if at all possible. For a complete list of current rehearsal dates click here. We do not rehearse or undertake bookings during the month of August. Back to TopWhat instruments do you have in a Wind Band?A Symphonic Wind Ensemble will have the following instrumentation. There are other minor permutations possible, but these would be with instruments that are not very common, such as an Eb clarinet. Woodwind: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone. Brass: Trumpet / Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium / Bb Baritone, Tuba. Percussion: Drum Kit, Timpani, Mallet Percussion such as Glockenspiel, and numerous other instruments. Occasionally a String Double Bass or Electric Bass Guitar will be used......yes a string instrument in a wind group is possible! Back to TopDo I need my own instrument?You do, ideally.. The band does own a few specialist instruments, such as a Drum Kit, Bass Clarinet, Tuba and Euphonium, but 99.9% of the members use their own instruments. What are the Subscriptions? Are there any other costs involve All subscriptions are due by the end of January each year. The rates [January 1st to December 31st] are: £40 per year for full members, £30 for retired players or pensioners, and £20 for students, children and unwaged. For those who join later in the band's Financial Year, the subscriptions are pro-rata and rounded up. Therefore: Joining months ~ January, February or March ~ £40 / £30 / £20: April, May, June or July ~ £27 / £20 / £14: September, October, November or December ~: £14 / £10 / £7. A full subscription would then be due by 31st January following. We have a "family" discount scheme; if there are three or more members of one family in the band, the total subscriptions are reduced by 10%, For example, two adults and one child = £100 gross total ~ less 10% = £90 to pay. There is also a one-off charge, for new members, of £21.00 for a band fleece. This is to wear when the band is playing at outside functions. It is black with an embroidered band logo. Various sizes are available to new members. The fleece is not rented or loaned, it is yours to keep. What type of music do you play?We play all types / ranges / styles. Most original Wind Band music is relatively modern, but we do try to play pieces from all music genres. Pieces can range from 'Classical' arrangements through the 'Miller' era, to modern pieces by present-day composers. Back to TopWhat standard a player do I have to be?The minimum standard of players would be about Grade 4**, and the most advanced players are of professional standard. The very nature of the group allows for this wide range of abilities and just because you might have a 'Grade 6' and another player might 'only be Grade 4', does not mean that the '4' player is not as good as the '6'. It will depend on your playing experiences as well as your ability. If wishing to join the band you will be expected to "audition" by attending a rehearsal, when you can be assessed. (See below for further details). ** Please note that for inexperienced younger players, we do make allowances, and sometimes we will waive the "Grade 4" rule. We would welcome younger players of lower standard, in the hope that they will improve through the playing experience with the band. Back to TopHow do I join?Contact the Musical Director by E-mail. [Contact details are below]. David will ask you a few questions, such as.... where you live, contact details, what you play, and your playing standard! Don't be modest, but don't tell lies either! It is very easy to say you are brilliant when you are not. You will be asked to attend a rehearsal, and play in one of the sections. Our M.D. will be able to assess your playing ability from this. Although players of any suitable instrument are usually welcome, please note that some places/instruments are not always available. You can see a list of current vacancies on the website. Back to TopHow can I book the Band for a 'gig'? Are there any technical requirements or booking conditions? Contact David Thomas..... Full contact information is on the band's website. Email: conductor@bromyardwindband.com OR You can send an email to the Michael Shorland, the Band's Secretary: BWBsecretary@gmail.com When you book the band, you will need to supply an adequately lit covered area of at least 55 - 60 square metres** for the band to perform, along with 40 chairs suitable for the instrumentalists. There will also need to be a secure area for instrument cases and the band belongings during the performance. Please check out our booking conditions here. A copy of the booking terms and conditions can be downloaded from that page. PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT ACCEPT BOOKINGS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST. To give the band and it's members adequate notice, we would ask that bookings are made at least 3 months in advance of the proposed date. ** This figure is an "ideal" ~ we can sometimes manage with a smaller area but would need to discuss options when you make your initial enquiry. Site Urls: bromyardwindband.com bromyardsymphonicwindband.comMobile Site: http://m.bromyardwindband.comEmail: bwbwebsite@bromyardwindband.comRevised: March 2023
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