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The Wantage Silver Band is an amateur brass band organisation, based in the small market town of Wantage, Oxfordshire.

Band Sections

The 150+ players in Wantage Silver Band are split in to the following sections:

The "A" Band
Our Championship Section Band, sometimes referred to just as "The Wantage Band", provides music of the highest standard.
The "B" Band
Is a mix of established players and up-and-coming youngsters in the later stages of their training towards eventual inclusion in the 'A' Band.
Concert Brass
Is a mixed group of all ages, who prefer not to participate in contesting yet are capable of providing concert music at local events.
Youth Band
Involves youngsters who have proved themselves through training, forming a creditable band with a good all-round repertoire of music. 
Training Band(s)
Include the "Training Band" comprising those at the earliest stages of learning to play together and "Youth Brass", which is the next stage before graduating to Youth Band.  There is often a group of adult beginners too, who tend to coordinate their activities with the young players.

 

Entertainment

We provide entertainment to local audiences through concerts and open-air events such as summer fetes, and compete in county and national/area contests. Occasionally we travel further afield for contests of particular interest, or for holidays combined with scheduled concert performances.

We also support local Civic events and lead parades for organisations such as Scouts/Guides and the Royal British Legion, for example. On other occasions you may see us involved in carnival processions, while local Churches may call on us to provide accompaniment for hymn singing at special events. We are also available for engagement at private parties and weddings, for example. Wantage Silver Band is a member of the Oxford and District Brass Band Association.

Training

The organisation is very active in providing musical training to the young population of the area (and to adult beginners too!), offering a worthwhile pastime, sometimes leading to a lifetime involvement with music. As new trainees grow in experience, they ensure the future life and resource of the entire Band. We also provide tuition for absolute beginners, young and old.

Contesting

Currently, two of Wantage Silver Band's sections are active on the contesting scene, competing in the London and Southern Counties region. The 'A' Band graduated to the Championship section in 2007, while in 2009 the 'B' Band gained promotion to the 3rd Section, as from January 2010.

History

WSB started as a junior band in 1972 with a few second-hand instruments, following the demise of an earlier organisation. An old photograph, taken in March 1973, shows the growing number of youngsters, some still without instruments, outside Charlton Church Schoolroom. Thankfully the band is now well supplied with good quality instruments, after obtaining a National Lottery award.

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Forthcoming Events

Saturday, 20th March

  • Regional 3rd Section Contest
      at Stevenage
    ('B' Band)

Sunday, 21st March

  • Regional Championship Contest
      at Stevenage
    ('A' Band)

Sunday, 28th March

  • Wantage Churches' Palm Sunday Parade

New Band Hall Latest

We are currently fundraising to build a new band hall.

You can help support us by becoming a Friend of Wantage Silver Band.

Shop online at any of 600+ online retailers (including Amazon, Argos, M&S, Sainsbury's, Tesco) and help raise funds for Wantage Silver Band. Find out more or register now at easyfundraising.org.uk/wantageband.