Our Training Band is open to all young people and adults and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument or percussion. Even if you have no musical experience we encourage new starters of any age. We aim to provide 10-15 minutes individual tuition per student, and you will have a mentor to sit alongside in the band where you can listen and gradually gain the skills and confidence to play.
Rehearsals are held every Friday at 6:30pm in the band room at Backworth Social Club. Absolute beginners are welcome at 6pm for some dedicated time between 6pm and 6.30pm.
We play brass instruments such as the Cornet, Horn, Euphonium, Trombone and Tuba and we have a percussion section. It is wonderful to see some very talented young people develop and go onto to become members of the senior band, or to develop their musical interests in other directions. The band has had many successes over the last few years winning Cups and Merits at the Wansbeck Music Festival, as well as playing in public and simply enjoying making music together.
Learning an instrument not only gives you the ability to play wonderful music it also helps develop other skills such as hand eye coordination (reading music and playing at the same time), self confidence, discipline (there will be practice to do at home), teamwork, listening skills, also the responsibility of looking after the instrument in your care and the chance to meet people with the similar interests.
All the band tutors and committee members work voluntary and the only cost to band members is a £2.00 subscription charge payable at each rehearsal to cover costs.
If you or your child would like to start learning a brass instrument, we’d love to hear from you. Instruments are available to loan free of charge.
History
The Junior Section of Backworth Colliery Brass Band was initially formed as a feeder band for the Senior Section. The Band at the beginning was led by Denis Taylor M Mus (Dunelm), B Mus. (Hons) London, FTCL, LTCL (TD) CertEd along with Members of the Senior Section. The Dennis Taylor Cup is open to all members of the junior section and is awarded by the tutors annually to the member who has improved the most in the last year.
Dennis has also written a piece of music called ‘Backworth’ which has dedicated to Backworth Junior Brass Band.