The Beginners Band

Welcome to the point where it all starts. The work that goes on here is vital to the long term success of the Concert and Senior Bands. We're particularly proud of this band and always delighted to discover new talent. Under the guidance of Audrey Brown, this band meets on Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the HiBay Theatre on the Portakabin™ site in York.

If you'd like to be involved - and you don't have to be young - please get in touch. The Beginners Band is run to teach young (and not so young) players about the basics of playing brass instruments, playing as an ensemble, learning and appreciating the world of brass band music, and developing their skills and playing abilities to the level where they can join The Concert Band.

The Beginners Band Musical Director: Audrey Brown

Audrey Brown comes from a musical background and was originally a player with the senior band. In 1996 she volunteered to conduct the beginners' band and the rest is history.

Audrey does remarkable and valuable work with the new players, and encourages the band to "cultivate a good sound". Like all good teachers she has endless enthusiasm and strives to make the players' first impressions of banding pleasant and rewarding. She brings with her a wealth of teaching and musical talent, but is very modest about her skills. Her ambition is "to see lots of players who started with the Beginners Band move up through the Concert Band to the Seniors."

Here’s What Some of Our Players Have to Say...

" ...I play the Euphonium. My favourite piece is "Happy Feet" because I get to play a mini solo. My father is Alistair McCloud and he plays the Tuba. (a bigger version of the Euphonium). I have played in the band for 2 years now and might be joining the Shepherd Group Concert Band.

Audrey Brown is the conductor of the Beginners Band. She plays the horn in the Concert band. I passed my grade II in July 2008 and this year looking for grade III in the summer. "

Sean McCloud.

"...I play the trombone and I’m 1 out of 2 of the trombone players. We both play bass clef when everybody else plays treble clef. I've been playing trombone for 2 years for the band now, but I’ve had a little bit of tutoring by a man called Mr Hirst. When I’m not at band practice I like to watch Leeds Rhinos play rugby league. I like to play rugby as well, but I don't play for a rugby team. I do play for a football team called Barlby Raiders. I have been playing them since I was 8 years old. I am now 14 years old so I’ve been playing for them for quite a bit."

Tom Robinson.