Fran West had only been playing the French Horn for about 6 months when she joined the Band. The danger of joining the Band early in a playing career is, as Fran found, that it will probably be challenging to follow the music let alone play many of the notes and novice players can be put off by this. Thankfully she perservered and is now a good player and a key member of the Band.
“I first picked up a French Horn on 1st August 2008, thanks to my band colleague, Tina, who lent me her son’s instrument. I might be the only band member that actually started to learn an instrument in order to join the band! I played descant recorder at primary school in the 1960’s, but hadn’t played any other instruments. I love the mellow sound of the horn and would not want to swap it for any other instrument.
“I joined the band in February 2009. After the first week, I almost did not return as it was so hard to follow the pieces and make the right sounds. However, everyone was really helpful and encouraging, and I am so glad I persevered. I love the camaraderie of the band, seeing the progress we make week by week with each piece of music, and I particularly enjoy playing out at village fetes and in Cours la Ville on the twinning visits we have made to France.
“I don’t have an all- time favourite piece of music that I’ve played with the Band, but I do like the arrangements from musicals when the horns often get to play some of the main tune.
“I also play in a wind quintet, all of us players in the band. We love our practice mornings – plenty of tea and cake as well as the playing!
“I am now retired and help to run a small charity for adults with learning disabilities (Winslow Activity Club). When not playing music, I do like to be out in my garden, and my husband and I are travelling widely too.”
