News from the World of Brass Bands

Frostys in need of help

Test Valley Brass is a family of bands to cover every person of every age and ability. Their youngest members start with lessons to help them get to a standard to then allow them to play in a band environment within the beginner band - Frostys. They then progress to the Youth band and when they feel they need a bit more of a challenge they then progress to the Senior Band. And they have a Senior Academy for those adults that are looking to enjoy brass banding but didn't perhaps get the chance earlier in life.

Frosty's current Conductor is stepping down due to other commitments, so the group is looking for a new conductor to help their members continue with their musical journey. The band currently has 23 regular players aged between 7 to 14.

"Working with the young people in Frostys is fantastic," said Helen Grimsey, the outgoing conductor. "They really are a great group and they love playing in the band, it would be fantastic if we could find someone that is willing to help take on the conducting and keep them enthused."

The task of helping with the group it would be shared with some of the current members of TVB who help out on a regular basis, so it really would be a team effort which is an important factor for the happy atmosphere of the band.

Frostys rehearses term-time only on Thursday evenings at the John Hanson Community School from 6.30 - 8pm.

Helen Grimsey

17/1/14

Schoolchildren reach a high note

An ISP based in Sheffield in the north of England is continuing its support for Grimethorpe's work in the community and to help grow talent in Barnsley area, close to where the band is based. Last year funding cuts left the band in danger of being unable to continue its work in the community. As so many people have long associated Plusnet with Grimethorpe from advertising, the company was inundated with requests to help and so offered a donation to support the band's schools music programme.

The funds will be used to ensure the continuation of the band's youth education scheme which will ensure 15 pupils between the ages of 8 and 11 at the Birkwood Primary School will have the opportunity to take specialist music lessons. As a result, the profile of music within the school has been raised, and pupils are now reaching the standard necessary to take music exams - a first in the school's history.

School music co-ordinator at Birkwood Primary School Esther Sutton Smith told The Brass Band Portal, "Children at Birkwood Primary are now aspiring to be musicians and getting ready to take their first music exams which is incredibly exciting for us! Beyond the obvious musical advantages we are actually seeing an increase in children's self esteem, especially for those who are not as strong in other area. It's wonderful to see them take such pride in their achievements. We're also noticing a real sense of engagement with the community as local people flock to watch the children perform, for which we are very grateful."

One pupil, Tegan, aged 10, added, "I play [the] tenor horn, and things that I learn in my music lessons help me concentrate during lots of my other lessons." Whilst nine year old Joshua added, "My brass teacher inspires me to concentrate."

Andy Baker, the CEO of Plusnet commented, "Last year you called on us to help Grimethorpe Colliery Band continue its work with the community. The plight of such a traditionally Yorkshire institution made it an easy decision, and we are continuing to support them for a second year. It has been a real privilege to see how Birkwood Primary School and the children are flourishing under the band's teaching. We are proud to continue to fund next year's programme.

Nigel Dixon, Grimethorpe's band manager added, "It's encouraging to know there are companies like Plusnet out there, ready to step up and show support for their local communities. With this further injection of funding we hope to do Grimethorpe proud as the crop of talent at Birkwood Primary School develops through the music programme."

Brass Band Portal

16/5/14