Progress Band - Frequently Asked Questions
1. How good a player do I have to be?
The skill range is quite wide including those who have played in the past and those who are relative beginners. Most of our members are somewhere between grade 2 and grade 7 even if not formally taking exams. We don't have a formal entry requirement, but to get the most out being in the Progress Band, you need to be able to play at around grade 2 to grade 3 standard. Enthusiasm is the key qualification. More advanced and developing players are given opportunities to develop their solo playing skills and may move to the Main Band as positions become vacant. Some players play in both bands, for example, front row cornet in the Progress Band and back row cornet in the Main Band.
2. Does the Band provide lessons?
No. There is a lot of friendly advice from the Musical Director and more experienced players and we can put you in touch with potential tutors. Rehearsals are designed to improve everyone's ensemble playing abilities. Coaching for less experienced players is available in 6 O'Clock Brass.
3. Do I have to apply to join or wait for a vacancy?
No, we have an 'open door' policy and welcome all players that are of the right standard. It helps if you contact our membership secretary in advance so we can arrange instruments etc.
4. Is there a child protection policy?
The Music Director, and our Safeguarding team have Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Children are not allowed to be supervised by other than the above and must be brought to and taken away from rehearsal/gig by their known parent or carer. You can see our Safeguarding Policy & Officers
5. Can the band provide instruments?
Whilst many players use their own, we have a full set of instruments which are lent out subject to availability, to players, particularly those converting from trumpet to cornet or playing instruments specific to brass bands e.g. Baritones, Eb Horns and Eb/Bb Tubas. We can arrange for an instrument to be available on your first visit if we know what you need. Borrowed instruments must be looked after and returned by the member according to the terms of a lending agreement.
6. What clef do you play in?
Brass Bands traditionally play from the treble clef with instruments pitched at Bb/Eb. This allows players to switch easily between instruments using the same fingering. Playing in two clefs is an important skill to develop as a musician. Our ability to provide parts in bass clef is limited.
7. What sort of music do you play?
The brass band repertoire is wide ranging from traditional marches and overtures to film music like the James Bond theme, jazz and popular music arrangements. A mixture of difficulty is used to cover the range of abilities in the band whilst encouraging everyone to advance from the pieces in their comfort zone.
8. Can I try you out before joining?
Yes, we are happy for players to come along to try the band for a few weeks before making a commitment to joining the band.
9. What does it cost to join?
The annual subs are £90, half price for the unemployed, children & students in full time education. Arrangements can be made to pay monthly. We would never want our subs to be a bar to anyone joining the band, please speak to our Treasurer in confidence if this is an issue for you.
10. How committed do I have to be?
We know that school, job and family commitments make attendance at all practices and gigs impossible. Some of our players have jobs that cause them to be away from the band for some weeks and we are happy to accommodate this. However we expect members to make an effort to support the activities of the band, and once committed, to play at a gig if at all possible. We perform about 6 gigs a year with weekly practices. We generally take a short break during school holidays.
11. Where and when do you meet?
We meet on Wednesdays from 18.30 to 20.00 and are currently at
Venue 28
28 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
BR3 4LS
Parking is available on-site, and is free in the evenings.
Our rehearsal venue may change to another nearby location in the coming months.
12. What do I need to bring?
Your instrument, music stand and a 2B pencil, plus mutes if you have them.
Membership enquiries:
If you would like to join the band, or if you are unsure that you are playing at the right standard, please contact our Membership Secretary who would be happy to discuss the band with you:
[email protected]
Bookings:
If you would like the band to play at your event, please contact our bookings manager:
Tom Tyler
[email protected]
The skill range is quite wide including those who have played in the past and those who are relative beginners. Most of our members are somewhere between grade 2 and grade 7 even if not formally taking exams. We don't have a formal entry requirement, but to get the most out being in the Progress Band, you need to be able to play at around grade 2 to grade 3 standard. Enthusiasm is the key qualification. More advanced and developing players are given opportunities to develop their solo playing skills and may move to the Main Band as positions become vacant. Some players play in both bands, for example, front row cornet in the Progress Band and back row cornet in the Main Band.
2. Does the Band provide lessons?
No. There is a lot of friendly advice from the Musical Director and more experienced players and we can put you in touch with potential tutors. Rehearsals are designed to improve everyone's ensemble playing abilities. Coaching for less experienced players is available in 6 O'Clock Brass.
3. Do I have to apply to join or wait for a vacancy?
No, we have an 'open door' policy and welcome all players that are of the right standard. It helps if you contact our membership secretary in advance so we can arrange instruments etc.
4. Is there a child protection policy?
The Music Director, and our Safeguarding team have Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Children are not allowed to be supervised by other than the above and must be brought to and taken away from rehearsal/gig by their known parent or carer. You can see our Safeguarding Policy & Officers
5. Can the band provide instruments?
Whilst many players use their own, we have a full set of instruments which are lent out subject to availability, to players, particularly those converting from trumpet to cornet or playing instruments specific to brass bands e.g. Baritones, Eb Horns and Eb/Bb Tubas. We can arrange for an instrument to be available on your first visit if we know what you need. Borrowed instruments must be looked after and returned by the member according to the terms of a lending agreement.
6. What clef do you play in?
Brass Bands traditionally play from the treble clef with instruments pitched at Bb/Eb. This allows players to switch easily between instruments using the same fingering. Playing in two clefs is an important skill to develop as a musician. Our ability to provide parts in bass clef is limited.
7. What sort of music do you play?
The brass band repertoire is wide ranging from traditional marches and overtures to film music like the James Bond theme, jazz and popular music arrangements. A mixture of difficulty is used to cover the range of abilities in the band whilst encouraging everyone to advance from the pieces in their comfort zone.
8. Can I try you out before joining?
Yes, we are happy for players to come along to try the band for a few weeks before making a commitment to joining the band.
9. What does it cost to join?
The annual subs are £90, half price for the unemployed, children & students in full time education. Arrangements can be made to pay monthly. We would never want our subs to be a bar to anyone joining the band, please speak to our Treasurer in confidence if this is an issue for you.
10. How committed do I have to be?
We know that school, job and family commitments make attendance at all practices and gigs impossible. Some of our players have jobs that cause them to be away from the band for some weeks and we are happy to accommodate this. However we expect members to make an effort to support the activities of the band, and once committed, to play at a gig if at all possible. We perform about 6 gigs a year with weekly practices. We generally take a short break during school holidays.
11. Where and when do you meet?
We meet on Wednesdays from 18.30 to 20.00 and are currently at
Venue 28
28 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
BR3 4LS
Parking is available on-site, and is free in the evenings.
Our rehearsal venue may change to another nearby location in the coming months.
12. What do I need to bring?
Your instrument, music stand and a 2B pencil, plus mutes if you have them.
Membership enquiries:
If you would like to join the band, or if you are unsure that you are playing at the right standard, please contact our Membership Secretary who would be happy to discuss the band with you:
[email protected]
Bookings:
If you would like the band to play at your event, please contact our bookings manager:
Tom Tyler
[email protected]
