Swinton Band - The Learners band

As well as the main band, Swinton Band boasts a very active learners group, catering for learners of all ages. The group meets on Saturday evenings from 6.00 till 8.00 at the Bandroom for individual lessons and group practice. Learners of any age are welcome, whether or not they have played an instrument before. Tuition is given by senior members of the band. As and when the player is ready to progress into the main band and there is a seat there for them, they start to attend main band practices and eventually jobs while usually continuing to attend the learners sessions for some time.

As well as meeting on Saturdays, the training band also undertakes engagements and plays for fetes, celebrations and concerts during the summer as well as taking an active part in the December carolling programme. As well as the occasional workshop organised by the band, learners also have the opportunity to attend external events such as the YHBBA annual workshop where they can receive tuition from top-class players.

So if you are aged anywhere between 7 and 70 and fancy learning a brass instrument why not come and join in! We provide an instrument, music and tuition, all you need is enthusiasm and commitment! So contact Dorothy for more details or just turn up on a Saturday evening. We would just warn parents - don't think you're not going to get involved; many of our band members only learnt to play because their children started learning!

Rob
(Cornet)

Maggie
(Cornet)

Katie
(Cornet)

Grace
(Cornet)

Joseph
(Cornet)

Nick
(Cornet)

Josh
(Cornet)

Lauren
(Cornet)

Tom
(Cornet)

Edwin
(Cornet)

Hector
(Cornet)

Suzanne
(Tenor horn)

Jonathan
(Tenor horn)

Alexander
(Tenor horn)

Tom
(Baritone)

Phillipa
(Baritone)

Nigel
(Baritone)

Bob
(Trombone)

Ruth
(Trombone)

Jacob
(Euphonium)

James
(Euphonium)

Ged
(Bass)

Carlos
(Bass)

Stephane
(Bass)

James
(Percussion)

SAD NEWS

We were very sad to hear the news that Mike Carr, our oldest learner, died last Sunday. He had been at Learners' practice on Saturday night and was in very good form, so it came as a real shock to us all. His funeral is at St Mary's R.C. church in Filey on Wednesday 20th April at midday. We would like to express our sympathy with his family at this sad time.

For a video clip of the Learners (helped by a few main band players!) playing at Slingsby May Day celebrations, click here

Steve demonstrates how to clean a cornet at a learners session	The learners play for Old Malton Church Garden fete.
Learners Band practice	Members of learners and main band attend a YHBBA workshop
Playing out at Slingsby.	Learners basses at Old Malton Garden fete
Starting as they mean to go on - Mike, Ged and Izzie join Ian in the pub!	Ben finds learners altogether too exhausting!
An archive photo of the Learners band of early 1990 - sadly none of these players is still in the band!

11th Dec	Deansfield Court, Norton - Christmas concert - 2 for 2.30