The Town Band – Our Story
The earliest reference in our possession to the existence of a brass band in the town is a newspaper report of 1838. A town band has existed in various forms from that year onwards. As a standard British-style brass band, Easingwold Town Band has been in continuous existence since 1901.
With well over 100 years of music-making experience in Easingwold, we’ve seen a few changes over the years. However, our core values and commitment to making music have never changed. Currently registered as a 4th Section Band, with recent success at the Regionals we’re proud to put Easingwold on the map in the banding community.
In March 2020 we lifted the trophy as champions of the 4th section for the North East at the North of England Regional Brass Band Championships held in Durham. In turn earning ourselves an invitation to participate in what became the postponed National Finals at Cheltenham Racecourse in September 2021.
Whilst we came a modest 12th out of 14 bands, in Cheltenham it was a significant achievement after 18 months of shutdown on account of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Starting in late summer 2021, we were able to resume live rehearsals. Where we we readied ourselves for Rememberance Sunday, Christmas Carol Services and of course to defent our win at the North of England Regional Contest.
We always look forward to the year ahead, with a strong band of around 25 players, and, a very busy concert program we always enjoy playing for the Town and the Community we’re part of. To see when and where we’re next performing, visit our Engagements page above.
Is there a minimum standard for players?
We rehearse on Monday evenings throughout the year, and welcomes players who have reached approximately Grade 4 standard.
We also run a Beginners’ Group and a Development Band which rehearse on Friday evenings during school term-time, and we also offer very affordable 1-to-1 tuition. We can’t promise to teach you to play a brass instrument from scratch, but we’ll give you every encouragement to learn. If you don’t read music, that’s no problem; we’ll teach you to do that too.
Our aim is to provide a friendly and supportive environment in which you can develop your playing. If you don’t possess your own instrument, the band has instruments available on free loan. Provided you are prepared to practise, you’ll soon find that you can enjoy making a useful contribution to the group’s sound.
A centuries–old tradition
Town Bands have existed in Europe and Britain since medieval times. With stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, they were an important part of civic and religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Modern brass instruments with valves were invented in the early 19th century. Adolphe Sax, of saxophone fame, also developed the ‘saxhorn’ family of brass instruments which, along with the trombone, make up the standard British brass band — cornet, flugelhorn, tenor & baritone horns, euphonium and tuba. Drums, cymbals and other percussion instruments are also employed. Popularised by the demonstration of saxhorns’ capabilities at the Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace, London, brass banding spread throughout the country, with many bands formed by miners and factory workers, as well as the armed services and of course the Salvation Army.
I’d like to learn to play…
We train young and adult beginners – right from the start! (Minimum age 8, no upper limit). Our Beginners Group and Development Band rehearse on Friday evenings during school term-time, with opportunities to sit in with the Town Band. Our learners are tutored by Kyle Sherwin. Kyle is a primary school teacher in York and an accomplished brass player.
We’ll give you every encouragement to learn. If you don’t read music, that’s no problem; you’ll learn to do that too! Our aim is to provide a friendly and supportive environment in which you can develop your playing. Provided you are prepared to practise, you’ll soon find that you can enjoy making a useful contribution to the group’s sound
FAQ’s
Q: What is the right age to start learning a brass instrument?
A: Children as young as 7 or 8 years old can begin learning, depending on their physical ability to hold and blow into the instrument. We assess each child to ensure they’re ready.
Q: Am I too old to start learning a brass instrument?
A: Definitely not! We welcome adults of all ages and abilities. It’s never too late to start learning and enjoy the joy of making music.
Q: Do I need to have any musical experience to join?
A: Not at all! Beginners are welcome, and we’ll guide you through every step of the journey.
Q: Do I need to buy my own instrument?
A: No, we have a selection of instruments available for loan. This allows you to try an instrument before deciding to purchase your own.
Q: Do I need to practise at home?
A: Yes! Regular practice, even just 10-15 minutes a day, will help you improve quickly and make playing more enjoyable.
Q: I haven’t played music since school – can I still join?
A: Absolutely! Whether you’re dusting off old skills or starting from scratch, we’ll help you get back into it.
Q: Do I need to read music?
A: Not necessarily. We’ll teach you the basics of reading music as part of your lessons if you’re a beginner.
Q: Can I try different instruments before choosing one?
A: Yes, you’re welcome to try different brass instruments to find the one you enjoy most.