The City of Wolverhampton Brass Band
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[edit] A Brief History
The City of Wolverhampton Brass Band Was formed in 1972 and initially based at Wolverhampton Grammar School, UK. The Wolverhampton Brass Band was organised and conducted by Mr. A Power (Bert) who was then a brass instrument tutor based at the Grammar school. The original band comprised of a mix of school students and other local players recruited by advertising and friends recommendations.
Instruments were initially only those personally owned by the band's members, although extra instruments were later purchased using an educational hire purchase scheme. Subscriptions collected were used to purchase music and a library was gradually built up sufficient to enable the band to play local concerts and engagements.
By 1974, the band had joined the area Brass Band Association and began to enter contests as a fourth section band. The band enjoyed success in the Radio Birmingham series of concerts and became more successful in the regional area competitions, enough to be promoted to the third section.
Over the years a variety of Musical Directors have conducted and directed the fortunes of the band. Membership has depended mainly on a long serving nucleus of players supplemented by students from local schools and colleges.
The band has recently appointed a new Musical Director, Kevin Short, who has taken over from previous conductor Lionel Howden. After many years of sterling service with the baton, Lionel has returned to playing and re-joined the band's trombone section while continuing to lead the 'Tudor Brass Ensemble' in their Sunday morning rehearsals at Hurst Hill.
There are currently playing vacancies in the band and new players are always welcome. If you are interested in joining the band please contact us via the contacta below or feel free to come along to a rehearsal on a Thursday night.
[edit] Contacts
Chairman - Vacancy Secretary - Sophie Oldnall - Sophie.Oldnall@cwbb.org.uk Engagements Secretary - Matt Kidson - Matt.Kidson@cwbb.org.uk Musical Director - Kevin Short - Kevin.Short@cwbb.org.uk
To enquire about booking the band please contact the engagements secretary, Matt Kidson, by using the e-mail address above.
[edit] Rehearsal details
Rehearsals take place each Thursday evening between 7:30 and 9:30pm at The King's Church of England School, Regis Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8XG. New players are always welcome. Directions to the rehearsal are as follows:
From Wolverhampton:
Leave the main Wolverhampton City Centre ring road onto the A41 Tettenhall Road at Chapel Ash (signposted A41 Whitchurch) and proceed for approximately 2.5 miles towards Tettenhall Village
Turn left onto Wrottesley Road (the turning is by the ‘Dog & Gun’ public house) and proceed for 0.2 miles Turn left onto Redhouse Road and proceed for 0.4 miles Turn left onto Regis Road.
From the motorway (M54 Junction three):
Leave the M54 at junction three. Once at the roundabout turn onto the A41 Albrighton Bypass (signposted A41 Wolverhampton) and proceed for 3.7 miles
Turn right onto Woodthorne Road and proceed for 0.5 miles Turn left onto Redhouse Road and proceed for 0.1 miles Turn right onto Regis Road
Once on Regis Road, the school should be visible on your right after only a few yards. Enter the school grounds through the main gates and follow the road around to the right, towards the back of the school. The band rehearses in the Sixth Form Common Room. Parking is available at the back of the school.
