Youth Bands
Gloucestershire - Herefordshire - Somerset - Wiltshire - Worcestershire

Making music in a brass band really is an amazing feeling. The GBBA is committed to encouraging young people to experience this wonderful lifestyle (let's face it, it's more than just a hobby!).

Over time, we hope to build a collection of links to Bands with youth training programmes and details of other opportunities for young people to play in brass ensembles.
 

Gloucestershire Music in association with the GBBA offer the opportunity for young brass and percussion players to perform at the highest level of youth music making. The Junior Band is open to players of Grade 1 and 2 standard. The Training Band is open to all players of Grade 3 to 5 standard and the Youth Band is Grade 6+ (minimum age also applies). This progressive structure allows young people to enjoy making music as part of a County ensemble from an early standard. As the players develop, they are then given the opportunity to audition for the Youth Band. Since its inception in March 2005 the Youth Band has enjoyed many rewarding courses and concerts, and has attended the 2006, 2007 & 2008 National Youth Brass Band Championships. The Bands meet on weekend courses throughout the academic year.

The GYBB, GYTBB & GYJBB are free to attend. Therefore, they are regularly seeking sponsorship. Can you help? Please see the attached document: GYBB Brochure

The goal of the academy is to provide an opportunity for young and old alike to enjoy, learn and develop their musical skills. Once established the plan is to enable the band to undertake their own engagements, enter solo/quartet and band contests but firmly underpinned with a focus on learning and fun. The band will be led by Clive Lewis who is an accomplished musician. As well as a skilled performer, conductor and arranger, he has had many successful years of experience coaching and developing young (and older) players in the Forest of Dean. Importantly, we also want to work in-conjunction with local schools and parents, providing free tuition and instruments for any children interested, in order to enable them to progress to the senior band and possibly study for their Associated Board of Music exams which should in turn complement their school musical curriculum. For further details please contact Clive Lewis on 01594 843966 or visit our website www.cinderfordbrassband.co.uk or email us on at CinderfordBand03@aol.com

Lydbrook Training Band (Formed in 1990) 

The Lydbrook Training Band meets on Monday evenings from 6.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. in Lydbrook Band Room. The band consists of a mixture of young people from Grade 1 to Grade 8, but they never turn anyone away.  A number of older bandsmen and women play in the Training Band and assist the young members with their musical development. They give a number of concerts during the year as well as competing in local competitions. The emphasis is on enjoyment, together with the opportunity to meet and perform with others of the same standard. Their conductor and tutor is Robert Morgan, whose 50 years of experience with brass bands has seen him responsible for the development of dozens of young brass musicians in the area. If you are interested in joining them on a Monday evening you are sure of a warm welcome.  Please contact Robert Morgan:  Tel:  01594 860789 (Day), 860944 (Eve) or E-Mail robert@morganelectricalservices.com.

Tewkesbury Town Band provides the opportunity for anyone to learn a brass instrument and enjoy making music as part of a brass band. The Training Band consists of two bands providing players with the opportunity to join a band from the moment they start to learn if they wish, as well as providing lessons where possible. The Beginner Band meets on Sunday evenings from 5:30pm until 6pm. The Intermediate Band meets on Fridays from 7:20pm to 8:30pm and Sundays from 6pm until 7pm. The Bands rehearse in the army camp at Ashchurch. The Training Band enjoys performing at many concerts throughout the year, including their own Cabaret Concert, Summer Camping Tour and Christmas Concert. For more details please visit the Bands website or telephone Helen Walters on 01684 201675.

Forest of Dean Area Youth Brass Band - Gloucestershire Music's brass band for the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas has been created to help pave the way for more inexperienced brass players into the GYBB and local brass bands. The band currently has 29 players, 18 of which are under 14. FODAYBB meets from 12.00 - 1.00 on selected term time Saturdays at lakers School hall. Contact the Musical Director Kristyann Symonds on 01594 562778 or email kristyann@fdawb.co.uk for further details.

The Lydney Training Band practice on Monday evenings at 6.30 to 7.30 pm. at the Bandroom, Swan Road (by the Swan Pub) in Lydney. The Band prides itself on a friendly atmosphere whilst training members in the art of playing a brass instrument. Any standard of players are welcome from the very beginners to those with greater experience. Age is no barrier as the band encourages all ages to come along and enjoy themselves. There are five tutors, all CRB checked, to cover all standards thereby ensuring a more individualised approach to rehearsal. Training towards Associated Board of Music grades is also encouraged - the tutor assigned to this area is Kerry Ford BMus IPD who is experienced in the training and development of aspiring musicians. The Band undertakes engagements in the locality under the conductor Kevin Ford. Instruments are provided for those who require them. We look forward to seeing you. Please contact Kerry Ford on 01594 530886 or email kfordfamily@supanet.com or pop into our website www.LydmetLydney.co.uk . 

Cheltenham Silver Training Band has been running for many years and has successfully coached dozens of players both young and old. The band practices at Ullenwood Court, Leckhampton,  Cheltenham. It is split into 2 groups. Beginners, who practice on Mondays from 6.45 until 7.15 pm, and intermediate players who practice on Fridays from 6.30 until 7.30 pm. Whether you are 6 or 60, Rob Folland, our Training Band MD will help you develop your playing skills - from your first blow right through to joining the senior band. Membership of the Training Band is free for children and instruments can be provided too. If you know nothing about music or brass instruments but you are keen to learn in a relaxed and friendly environment please contact Rob on 01242 261285 or email rob.folland@btinternet.com