For the past 10 (or so) years, Oughtibridge Brass Band have organised a training band, to help learners young and old to get the experience of playing in a group.

To date at least 10 players have progressed from the training band to the senior band, and about 6 of the current main band players started learning in the training band.

The training band currently has about 20 players of varying age and ability, but will always welcome more players. The training band has also recently received a grant to purchase new uniforms.

Why should I learn?

There are many benefits for taking up a musical instrument, and brass is one of the best. Here are some of the benefits:

• Enjoyment - playing music in a group is amazingly enjoying and thoroughly rewarding

• Teamwork - by learning to play in a group you learn to work together to make music

• Concentration - playing music requires concentration, and learning to play in a group helps to develop concentration

• Confidence - you cannot hide if you a a brass player or percussionist, and playing in a friendly group is a great way of making friends and building confidence

• Tradition - The British Brass Band is a tradition dating back centuries, and groups like this help to continue that tradition

• Numeracy and logic - learning music is proven to assist in developing mathematical skills and logic skills

• Easy - it is surprisingly easy to make a sound from a brass instrument, and players can quickly grasp enough basic ability to play in a group

• Challenging - there is always a challenge, even for the best musicians in the world. There a contests, concerts and other bands and groups that play different styles or harder music.

When do you rehearse?

The training band rehearses every Friday between 6:30pm and 7:30pm at Oughtibridge Church. The training band is open to learners of any age. Instruments, music and tuition can be provided.

For more information please contact the training band conductor Tim Benson on trainingband@oughtibridgebrassband.co.uk