Music Education & Training
Beginner Band - from age 7 upwards
Conductor:
Fred Evans M.B.E.
The band rehearse every Monday evening from 5.30pm to 6.30pm except for School holidays. All brass/percussion instruments are taught at this level concentrating on the basic rudiments of music. Previous knowledge of music is not essential for this group.
Intermediate Band
Conductor:
Fred Evans M.B.E.
The band rehearse every Monday evening from 7pm to 8pm except for School holidays. All brass/percussion instruments are taught at this level and pupils are encouraged to move on to the larger instruments e.g. euphonium, trombones, basses. The expected entry level for this group is Grade 2/3 and a strong emphasis is placed on ensemble technique. This band is encouraged to perform at local functions such as coffee mornings, concerts and fetes and school events.
Youth Band
Conductor:
Nicholas Hughes
This band is open to all players aged 18 and under. The band rehearse every Tuesday evening from 6-7.30pm except for School holidays. Regular weekend workshops and training sessions are held prior to contests in which the young musicians are taught by professional tutors. Many players from this band progress to County and National groups where they gain valuable experience.
LSW Band (Adult Learners)
Conductor:
Fred Evans M.B.E.
The most Senior Band (in age not ability) is the LSW. This band was formed after a visit by Gwyn to Norway. He was so impressed by the fact that the bands there enveloped the whole family. Children, parents and grandparents all played. When Gwyn got back he and Fred decided it would be a good thing to start a band for adult learners.
On the first night nine people turned up. From then on the band has gone from strength to strength and now boasts over 40 members, two of whom are in their eighties!
It is a band that owes much to the patience of Fred Evans who tutors the band on a Wednesday night. The LSW means so much to all its members as new friendships have been made. The camaraderie and pure enjoyment of making music together has to be seen to appreciate what this band means to all who play in it.
Lastly, it is often asked, why the name LSW? The original name suggested by one of the players was the 'Last of the Summer Wind', a very apt name considering the age of some of the players. After some time and marked improvement in their ability it was shortened to the LSW. This band epitomises that old adage "You are never too old to learn"
