This section of the Band was formed about ten years ago, to provide an opportunity for our young players to create a separate identity and to play the music they most enjoy. 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.
The photograph shows the band preparing to take the stage at the WSB Annual Concert in October 2007, with its conductor Roger Middlebrook.
Roger’s musical career began with the school recorder group when he was 7, and progressed during his school days through violin, viola and clarinet. However, his love of music really developed through singing at university in London, joining the Imperial Male Voice choir, the Philharmonia Chorus and ‘Vox’, a chamber choir. From choral singing, he advanced to solo items and conducting.
Roger was lead singer in a 5-part close harmony group called Harlequin, performing in pubs and clubs in many parts of the country, and also appearing on TV’s talent show Opportunity Knocks, but they never made “the big time”!
Roger’s involvement with Wantage Silver Band has been relatively recent, supporting his son at beginners’ classes in 2001. He elected to learn a brass instrument too, choosing the trombone, and now plays regularly in ‘B’ Band.