Wantage Silver Band

Players are aged between about 8 and 18 and play at a variety of engagements and occasional contests throughout the year. There is a friendly fun atmosphere, but the band always aims to play at a high standard.

Initially, it was necessary to augment the band with several experienced adults to be able to perform well for public audiences, but now the band is largely self-supporting and you will see only a few adults on the stand, to fill odd gaps. When booking a band for a fete, for example, organisers often choose the Youth Band for the extra enjoyment of seeing so many young players taking part.

Conductor

Roger Middlebrook

Roger Middlebrook played viola and clarinet as a child, but it was while studying Mining Engineering at university in London that he discovered a deep interest and love of music in the form of singing.
As a singer and conductor he has performed choral, chamber, solo and orchestral works. His varied experience has taken him to St John's, Smith Square, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Festival Hall, and Brentwood & District Gramophone Society.

One of his more dubious claims to fame is an appearance on BBC TV's talent show, Opportunity Knocks, as lead singer in a 5-part close harmony group called Harlequin.
An interest in brass bands began in January 2001 when he came along to a beginners' class in support of his son. He left the class clutching a trombone.