We are keen to welcome new members of any age and background to the Band. As a concert band we embrace most woodwind and brass instruments, string bass (either guitar or double bass) and percussion. We are committed to ensuring the safety of young and vulnerable people who join the Band: two of our members have DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Certificates for Winslow Concert Band and we undertake to have at least one of these present at every rehearsal and Band event. Although we don’t insist on it, we generally recommend that you are at a standard of at least ABRSM/Trinity Grade 3 or equivalent: below this you may struggle to play your part or follow where you are in the music.
Benefits of membership
- The enjoyment of playing music with other like-minded musicians
- Developing your skills as a musician, particularly sight-reading and playing in an ensemble
- If you are less experienced, you can learn from others who are more accomplished who are generally keen to share tips
- If you are more experienced, you can enjoy helping others to learn and develop their skills
- Meeting others who you may like to join up with outside the Band – in recent years members who have met at Winslow Concert Band have formed a wind quintet and others a saxophone quartet
- Making friends and socialising – everyone is welcome to come along to the pub after rehearsals, and we organise a number of social events during the year.
Membership fees and subscriptions
There is no joining fee. Once a member, there is a playing subscription of £8 for adult members and £5 for junior members (under 21). We ask if possible that this is paid monthly by standing order, which you can set up with your bank. There is a £5 deposit for your uniform and a £10 deposit for a stand light, which you will need for formal concerts. The deposits will be refunded when you leave the Band and on return of the items.
How to join
Please complete and submit the form “Enquire about joining”. We will get back to you and agree a date for you to come along to a rehearsal. This will normally be the next rehearsal, but we will need to check that we have the right music ready for you. You are then invited to attend up to four rehearsals before we will ask you decide whether you would like to join or not. You will be given a welcome letter with all the information you might need to know to become and feel part of our Band.
