TRAINING BAND

The band were recently awarded a Grassroots Grant from the Staffordshire Community Foundation. This enabled the band to buy some new instruments and start a training band for young players and learners.

In January the band held a very successful open day which was attended by approximately 30 children and adults. Most of the visitors had never played a brass instrument before, and after two hours of expert tuition from Mike Caveney, everybody was able to participate in a performance of "I Am The Music Man" led by Trentham's principal cornet player, Tim Foxley.

Following the success of the open day, Trentham Brass now offers tuition to beginners and learners, of whatever age. Complete beginners are taught by Mike from 6.00-6.45 every Friday.

Players who have already been playing for a short time are invited to join the training band from 6:45-7:45. No prior experience is required and the band is able to loan an instrument to interested players.

Many Congratulations to training band members Jack Finney and Ben Cuthbertson for gaining Copper Music Medals, George Randall for completing Grade 1 baritone, Glenn Parrish for Grade 2 trombone and John Parrish for Grade 2 violin.

I was looking for a cornet teacher for my 7 year old son Louis and so contacted the Trentham Brass Band through their website to see if they could recommend someone to me. I was delighted when Mike Caveney phoned me up to say that there was a Beginners group starting in January 2011 and that my son could attend. He even suggested that I might like to begin to play a brass instrument; a thought that had never occurred to me before. We attended the taster session in January where we were warmly welcomed and whilst my son played the cornet we had taken, I borrowed a trombone and joined in the session. There were other parents who also joined in and I thoroughly enjoyed it, having learnt my first 4 notes! Since then we have attended the Friday evening lessons and are making sound progress. After a few weeks my husband jumped on the ‘band’ wagon and began playing the cornet, so it has become a family activity. My husband and I have hired instruments from the band. The sessions are informal, relaxed and affordable, accessible to anyone.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the beginners band to both adults and children alike.

Jill Rouffet

Jack was 8 in September and at the beginning of October started to learn to play the trumpet at school. It was a new experience for him and I was keen to make it exciting and enjoyable without the learning being a chore. Over the Christmas break, i saw an article in the local newspaper regarding Trentham Brass Band starting a training band and that they were looking for new players. We attended the open morning and Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself as the band leader was consolidating his learning from school and also showing how the learning is then used to put together music pieces. Jack played his first concert with Trentham Brass Band on the 1st April, less than 3 months after joining and less than 6 months from starting to learn his instrument. The very next day he entered a school talent contest playing his trumpet. I firmly believe that the confidence and ability are stemming from his time with the band as this is complementary learning and practice to the lessons he has at school.

Jo

On behalf of my family, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you To Trentham Brass Band for running a Beginners and Training Band at Trentham High School on a Friday night. All 4 of us attended a Saturday morning Introductory Session before Christmas as one of my children (who already plays the trombone) wanted to see what the Band had to offer. He sat down and then to my amazement my other son was then asked if he would like to play, then my wife and then finally me! We all now really look forward to spending time and learning together on a Friday and it is great to have my sons helping my wife and I throughout the week, which is a bit of a role reversal! Between us we play the trombone, the cornet and I have moved from the Baritone Horn to the Euphonium and we have so far been involved in one concert and I look forward to the next one where we will actually compete against others The challenges that we are set each week are great and I am delighted with the progress that we have all made.

None of this would have been possible without the patience and commitment of all those involved in running the Band and indeed the Senior Band members who also help us each week. I also know that the grant Trentham received enabled them to offer these opportunities and I am extremely grateful for this, as the experiences that my family now have and will continue to have, are again a direct result of this funding.
Many thanks to you all

Jason, Alison, Glen and John Parrish

Joining the Trentham Brass Band has given me a unique opportunity to take on another instrument, namely the Cornet, being a trained pianist. The offer of £1 per half hour was irresistable as well as the small £25 annual fee for the hire of a shining brand new cornet, with music and CD's. I was so thrilled!

I am really enjoying practising the cornet. In a short space of time I have been able to train myself up to play a few common hymns and well known tunes such as Pomp and Glory and the Muppet Show theme music, on top of the practices at the band. The band practice is totally relaxed and I feel that I can play without being too self conscious. The band leader, Mike Caveney, is very patient and encouraging.
I have also discovered that playing the cornet is great for physically exercising my lungs. We have also performed publicly, which gave us recognition and a buzz. Oh, and the free band waistcoats are fun, it's like joining another family! In sum, great fun, great healthy extension of musical impact in the family (myself, my wife and my son have joined). I highly recommend any parent who wishes to encourage musical interest in their family to contact Karen Wooliscroft, the Brass Band Manager. It's well worth a go. I am very grateful for all the benefits the band is providing. Thank you for opening such a fantastic opportunity to the public. Keep up the good work!
Kind regards,

Francois Rouffet

Click on the link for a further testimonial from Cecile Coles aged 11 years!