General information
| Swindon Concert Band is a symphonic windband made up of woodwind, brass
and percussion instruments. Established in 1971, we have about 45 members
who range in age from 10 to 80. We are based in Swindon, but draw members
from a radius of some 30 miles. The band is comprised of players with a wide range of abilities, from highly proficient, to those with less experience. It is a supportive environment where those more experienced players encourage others to develop their skills. The band's musical director is Mike Lock, who has vast experience in the musical world, both as a conductor and performer. The band performs about six concerts a year, usually in support of local charities. In addition to this, it holds a fund raising concert each Christmas. The band's repertoire is very wide, taking in classical pieces, show music, TV and film themes, and a huge selection of traditional and modern wind band music. In previous years the band has taken part in the National Concert Band Festival, earning gold at the regional event, and has twice been to the finals at the Northern College of Music in Manchester, competing at the highest level. The band is not a charity, and is self-financed through membership subscriptions and concert income. This income goes towards paying for the rehearsal hall, insurance, equipment and new music. We rehearse on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Drove Centre, Drove Road, Swindon. |