Harpenden Concert Band

Harpenden Concert Band was set up by Matt Harrison in January 2013 when he felt there was a need and the opportunity to create a community ensemble within Harpenden. At our first rehearsal there were about 12-15 players but the band very quickly grew and we now number over 40, proving Matt correct; there was indeed a need! We are proud to boast a full range of wind band instrumentalists, which enable us to perform a wide, interesting and often challenging repertoire.

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The band is open to any adult who plays a wind instrument or percussion. There are no auditions and no grade requirements, and we rehearse weekly on Tuesday evenings. The band is self-funding and not-for-profit. All members pay termly subs that cover the purchase of music, hire of rehearsal venue, hire of concert venue and professional fees. The age range of band members currently spans 65 years!

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We usually perform three of our own concerts a year in May, September and at Christmas. These concerts are completely free to attend, with a voluntary collection taken at the end, which we send to the charity, either local, or with a connection to the band. Since December 2013, our concerts have raised over £6000 which has been sent to sixteen different causes. Themed concerts have included 'Disney in Concert', 'A Space Spectacular' and 'An Afternoon on Broadway'; and we have performed such works as Holst's Suites in Eb and F, Shostakovich's Festive Overture, 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky, George Kleinsinger's timeless 'Tubby the Tuba' and a complete performance of Howard Blake's classic 'The Snowman', synchronised live with the film.

 

As part of our inclusivity and reaching out to the community we often include a piece of music in our programme where we invite any children in the audience who are learning a wind instrument to bring it along and sit in with the band to play this one piece, which they do with great enthusiasm. 

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We regularly perform at local community events. We enjoy playing at the Christmas Carnival in Harpenden, and have performed at Larks in the Parks on four occasions. Our brass section play annually at Redbourn Christmas Market, and we have played at a number of local school fetes and other private events. 

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We are always keen to welcome new members, so do contact Matt if you would like any further information. We look forward to welcoming you!