MEMBERS

South Berks Concert band is a true community band. Players are drawn from all spheres of the community and membership is open to all. New members are always welcome. No auditions are held however due to the standard of music we play we recommend that players are at least Grade 5 standard, however the best way to is to come along and give us a try!

We suggest that anyone interested in playing makes contact prior to attending their first rehearsal as this allows you to ask any questions and give us time to prepare additional music if necessary.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held at:

Englefield Church of England Primary School

The Street

Englefield

RG7 5ER

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We rehearse every Friday evening from 7.45 till 10.00pm throughout the year with the exception of Good Friday and all of August when we close during the school summer holidays. We have a break during rehearsals when refreshments are provided. After rehearsals members are welcome to visit the social club next door for a drink and a chat before going home. At Christmas we generally organise a meal or other social activity.

Music

The band library contains over 1000 pieces of music and members are encouraged to review the listing and make recommendations to the Director of Music. We are happy for the music pads to be taken away for practice purposes but you MUST ensure that it is returned for the next Friday rehearsal.

Dress Code

For summer park jobs and the occasional 'street' event you will be provided with a blue SBCB polo shirt and blue fleece which can be worn with either black trousers or a skirt. These items are provided once a £10 deposit has been received. Indoor concerts are formal evening wear - ladies are asked to wear long, single-coloured dresses with little or no pattern and gold wraps which you will be asked to purchase. Men should wear black suits, white shirt and gold or coloured bow ties.

Membership Fees

The Band is a non-profit making organisation and all income is either shared with local charities or simply goes to help cover our annual running costs and to purchase new music and equipment.

An annual subscription is charged to all members as a cost of £84 for adults and £42 for children and concessions.

There is no fee for the first 2 rehearsals but any more constitutes full membership and fees are calculated pro-rata