Cranbrook Town Band’s Training Band performed 3 pieces in the Band’s recent concert in aid of Demelza Hospice – a hymn tune, the James Bond theme, Four Your Eyes Only and The Floral Dance. The group which currently has 13 members whose ages range between 9 to 60, meets from 6.30 to 7.30 on Thursday evening before the Main Band rehearses. The more proficient players then stay on for the Main Band rehearsal with the younger ones going home at the 9pm interval. The eventual aim of the Training Band is for its members to become a part of the Main Band but there is no pressure place upon anyone to do so. Training Band members either have their own instruments or can use one provided by Cranbrook Town Band.
The music used is bespoke and is arranged for each member by Ian Lanceley, the group’s conductor. The idea is to challenge everyone without placing anyone in a position where it is so difficult as to be discouraging.
If you are, or know of, a beginner brass player who would benefit from playing in a Training Band, please contact the Cranbrook Town Band Chairman, David Newsom on 07957681923 or david_newsom@hotmail.com.
