Gemma Hall plays the flute in the Band and has been a member for about 10 years. Whilst she loves the sound of the flute, she admits to a secret passion of the tuba and bassoon!
“I learnt the recorder at school, when I was about 6, (like everyone does!) and wanted to learn something else. My mum wanted wanted me to learn clarinet, but they were too expensive. Then a family friend was selling their flute and that was my Christmas present that year! I started having proper lessons at school when I was 13, which I continued with until I was 16, but then stopped as I moved schools for sixth form. I didn’t really start playing again until I joined the Band. I started having lessons again about 10 years ago after being inspired by people at Band having lessons.
“I also play the recorder (if that counts – I can still play the ‘Can-Can’ and ‘Chariots of Fire’!), the tin whistle (love folk music) and can play a few tunes on clarinet. I love how the flute sounds. But, I also love the really low instruments – I have slight envy of tuba and bassoon!
“I think I have been in the Band for about 10 years, as it was just before we started ‘Winslow Winners’ [Editor’s note – ‘Winslow Winners’ was a piece we commissioned for our 15th Anniversary and will be playing at our 25th Birthday party on 21st July 2019]. It doesn’t seem that long though, time flies when you’re having fun!
“I remember at my first rehearsal everyone being so friendly and supportive. I enjoy being around people who enjoy making music as much as I do. Being part of the Band has also exposed me to a huge range of music. I don’t think I’d ever played big band stuff before joining. Of the music we have played during my time with the Band, I really enjoyed ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Moments of Morricone’. I loved river dance as well, although I realise I’m probably alone in that!
“I work as a Learning Support Assistant in a special needs school (Booker Park School in Aylesbury). When I’m not playing music I enjoy reading and crochet, and I’m a leader/ Snowy Owl with Steeple Claydon Brownies.”
