History

The Southampton Concert Wind Band has its roots in Redbridge Concert Brass, a conventional brass band, which was formed in 1975. In 1994 the band elected to extend its membership to wind players, thereby laying the foundations of the SCWB. Since its inception the band has gone from strength to strength and has a current membership of around fifty players. Geographical associations with Redbridge ended many years ago and so in 1996, the band changed its name to the Southampton Concert Wind Band, reflecting its status as a centrally based organisation.

The SCWB is an important part of the amateur musical community, providing the opportunity for wind, brass and percussion players to get involved in music making and draws upon musicians of the highest standard, including ex-forces players and professional music tutors. The band's concert programme incorporates a variety of musical styles including original, classical, shows, popular, traditional and jazz. We introduce new music whenever possible whilst trying to remain accessible and entertaining for the general public. SCWB perform at venues across the Southern region. Click here for our current concert listing.

Our primary aim is to enjoy playing a wide variety of music and we hope that people who join the band will feel able to take an active and long-lasting part in the band's development. However, whilst enjoyment is a major factor, we do obtain a number of bookings for the band to play in public so individual practice outside of rehearsals is important and encouraged.

Joining the band

Southampton Concert Wind Band has a current membership of around 50 or so players but new members are always welcome provided a suitable vacancy exists.

We do not hold formal auditions for new recruits but players should be of at least Grade 6 standard or equivalent. However, there is no requirement for any exams to have been taken, this is purely a guide as to the approximate standard you would need to be in order to get the most out of playing with our band.

Unfortunately, due to changing safeguarding requirements, we do not accept players under the age of 18 - younger players may wish to consider one of the Youth Bands in Southampton, for example, Southampton Wind Band.

New band attendees are given up to three weeks (subscription-free) to find out whether he or she and the band are mutually compatible. After this, players are expected to become fully-fledged members of the band.

Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a member. It would be helpful if you would include details of your approximate standard and previous playing experience.

Rehearsals and Engagements

The band rehearses every Thursday from 19:30 to 21:30 at St. Anne's Convent School, Rockstone Place, Southampton, SO15 2WZ (see map). Please contact us if you wish to come along.

The band usually performs two or three formal concerts each year and also undertakes engagements during the summer months at a variety of venues across the region. These are almost always on a Saturday or Sunday and we normally play for about 1½ hours each time.

Members are encouraged to attend as many rehearsals and engagements as possible.

Subscriptions

All members are required to pay a weekly subscription of £2.00 (£1.00 concessionary rate) which is payable even when a member misses a rehearsal; however it may be waived for lengthy absences.

Instrument Loans

SCWB owns several instruments that are available for loan. Members that are interested in borrowing one of these may arrange this through a committee member.

Social nights

The band holds at least one official social each year. Partners are more than welcome, the more the merrier!

The Christmas Social involves a well-lubricated meal in one of the more tolerant restaurants in Southampton. Previous years have seen Budweiser, burgers and boogying at Uncle Sam's and medieval merriment at the Red Lion. The Summer socials range from barn dances and skittles to a night at the dogs.

BASBWE

SCWB are a member of BASBWE (British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles). One of the advantages of BASBWE Membership is that they arrange events that may be of interest to individual players or the band as a whole - the band secretary keeps members informed of these events.

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