Trainer Band and Beginners Bands
Training has always been important at Wantage Silver Band. The current training structure caters for all ages and abilities.
We have a Trainer Band and Beginners groups. The Trainer Band is conducted by Brian Thomas, and meets from 9.00 a.m. on Saturday mornings at Stockham School. Beginners start either via our associations with local schools, or directly in beginners classes (for all ages) also held on Saturday mornings at Stockham School - (please contact Eileen Sykes on 01235 767541 or at: bandmaster@wantageband.org for details). Currently, absolute beginners attend at 10.00 a.m. and intermediate players at 9.00 a.m. Trainer Band participates in our Youth Concerts and the overall Band's Annual Concert.
From these Training groups, players of an appropriate standard can move on to either Youth Band, Concert Brass or 'B' Band. Everyone must become subscription-paying members of the band and may then borrow instruments, free of charge. At all levels there are opportunities for private lessons offered by players or associates of WSB, often leading to Associated Board examinations at all levels up to Grade 8.
Adult Beginners
This group has been playing together for many years. The WSB has always encouraged parents to be involved in the Band and especially to learn to play!
This group has great fun and play for enjoyment – and to learn and improve as well. conducted by Eileen Sykes, we meet on Saturday mornings at Stockham School at 10.30am and welcome anyone who can play to join us.
Many of our members are in Concert Brass or the Training Bands but we welcome any stray A and 'B' Contest Band players who need some light relief.
Performances of note are the winning performance in the Entertainment Class at the Inner Band Contest in 2009, in costume performing ‘The Circus Suite’.
Conductors
Eileen Sykes has been Bandmaster of the Wantage Band for over a quarter of a century; a cornet player, she has played in every cornet position in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ bands, from soprano, principal, front row, flugel, repiano, 2nd and 3rd. She has taught countless people to play (both young and old) and is an experienced conductor. Presently she takes the beginners, and conducts the Adult Beginners Group.
Brian Thomas currently plays soprano cornet with 'A' Band and began conducting the Trainer Band in 2002. He was born in Solihull and started playing the trumpet aged 8.
Besides conducting the Trainer Band, Brian composes and arranges pieces for all standards of player and instrumentation. He also plays the piano, and helps organise the music at Grove Free Evangelical Church.
About Us
Wantage Silver Band has been making music in Wantage, Oxfordshire and beyond since 1972.
Our 'A' Band competes in the prestigious Championship Section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
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BOOKINGS
Dont forget you can book one of our Bands for a wide variety of events.
We also have a fantastic swing Big Band for ALL occasions.
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Want to play a Brass Instrument? We can provide an instrument and tuition. Beginners classes are held weekly. Contact Eileen at bandmaster@wantageband.org
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Please visit our Support the Band page to see how you can help with our fundraising for the new Band Hall.
We are very grateful for the kind support of our Sponsors
Perhaps you would like to become a Patron or a Sponsor, if you are interested please click here for more information.
Forthcoming Events
Saturday, 25th May
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Market Stall9:30am at Victoria Forecourt, Market Place, Wantage(Youth Brass), (Trainer Band)
Sunday, 26th May
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All England Masters Contestat Kettering('A' Band)
Saturday, 1st June
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Opening of Wantage Summer Festivalat The Bear Forecourt, Wantage(Youth Brass)
Saturday, 1st June
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Grand Opening of Band Hall2:00pm at Band Hall, Tugwell Field, Reading Road, Wantage(Youth Brass)
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Supper Concert with Simon Handley's Quintet - Wantage Summer Festival7:30pm - 10:00pm at Band Hall, Tugwell Field
Sunday, 2nd June
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Wantage Carnival
Sunday, 16th June
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Stanford in the Vale Festivalat Stanford in the Vale('B' Band)
Saturday, 22nd June
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Letcombe Regis Fete
Easy Fundraising
Shop online at any of 600+ online retailers (including Amazon, Argos, M&S, Sainsburys, Tesco) and help raise funds for Wantage Silver Band. Find out more or register now at easyfundraising.org.uk/wantageband.
New Band Hall
For the latest news (and pictures) please visit our New Band Hall section.
Wantage Silver Band


