WANTAGE SILVER BAND - Training Band

Training has always been important at Wantage Silver Band. In fact, the original WSB which was formed in 1972 was a children's training band in itself.

The current training structure caters for all ages and abilities.

Training Structure

We have a Training Band and beginners groups. The Training Band is conducted currently by Brian Thomas while the beginners are split into youth and adult groups, taught separately by Denise Clark and Eileen Sykes respectively. Beginners must become subscription-paying members of the band and may then borrow instruments, free of charge, and attend weekly lessons. All sessions are held on Saturday mornings.

Players generally progress to the Training Band - where they can start to learn how to play together in a real band with real band music. This group takes part in the WSB Annual Concert and have even entered a local contest.

From the Training Band, players of an appropriate standard can move on to become either Youth Band Trainees or 'B' Band Trainees and, after a period of a few months and with the relevant conductor's approval, they can become fully fledged members of the appropriate band.

From Youth Band and 'B' Band, the players of the highest standard may be invited to become 'A' Band trainees.

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.

Conductors / Trainers

Brian Thomas - Training Band Conductor

Brian currently plays cornet with 'A' Band and began conducting the Training Band in 2002. He was born in Solihull, started playing the trumpet aged 8 and went on to study with Kevin Thompson (later principal at Birmingham Conservatoire). He has played in and travelled widely with several bands, orchestras and ensembles. Since moving to Grove, Brian and his young family have been keen participants in each annual Wantage Music Festival and Brian was delighted to win the Concerto class in 2002. He also plays the piano, and helps organise the music at Grove Free Evangelical Church.

 

Denise Clark BMus (Hons), PGCE

Denise began conducting the Training Band in 1999, handing the role over to Brian Thomas in 2002. She now teaches the young new beginners and also runs a second beginners group, initially associated with the Wantage C. of E. Junior School, but now drawn more closely into the WSB structure. Particularly notable is the collection of simple arrangements of many well-known pieces of music she has written for the Training Band, vastly expanding the collection of suitable music available to that group.

Denise studied Trumpet at The University of Huddersfield School of Music, under David James and Colin Casson and played in the University Brass Band under Philip McCann. She has played with many brass bands and orchestras throughout the country and is currently one of the several people offering individual tuition. Until recently she was a regular member of 'A' Band, but is currently "resting".