Brass Academy

STB-ACADEMY-YEAR REVIEW
We were very excited to finally launch our two new training groups in September 2022.

Our team of volunteers were poised ready to meet new young players, offering some basic tuition, instruments and music to play and learn together.

In the Beginner band, we now have 5 new players learning the first steps under Adrian Harvey. Over the course of a year, they have made great progress and some of them are now seeking to start lessons alongside these sessions at school.

The Academy now also has 5 regular members who come along to be challenged weekly by Josie Sherwood, with small group ensemble pieces suited to the abilities. We learn about how to conduct ourselves ready for performances and how ensemble rehearsals work, while learning new pieces and improving them week on week. We also have a giggle and have made friends while we improve.

At the Christmas Concert in December, we presented the STB Academy Gabrielle Atkinson Cup to our first recipient, Cowyn, for his enthusiasm, dedication and progression over the Autumn.

We are still working to have enough music to perform publicly, however we did hold a small informal performance for the parents and our very own band members in April, which was very successful.

We would love to hear from any young people in the area looking to take up a brass instrument and join our training groups. We are holding an open evening on September 7th from 6:45 pm, in St Francis Hall. This is so we can tell you all about what we offer and tell you a bit about our new Tuition Grant Scheme.

Our Tuition Grant scheme aims to reduce the costs of individual lessons for families, as we recognise this to be a big barrier. We want to offer this to our young players who show dedication and wish to improve more quickly and progress through the ranks of our training groups. Ask us about the scheme at the open evening, or by email: info@sidmouthtownband.co.uk.