For the past 5 (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 currently 6 of the band started off in the training band.

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 co-ordinator Sarah Dickinson on trainingband@oughtibridgebrassband.co.uk