The Corsham Windband Association

The Corsham Windband Association invites young musicians of Brass, Woodwind and Percussion players to play together as a large ensemble. We have three bands depending on the players ability. Much of the music we play is pop, film, musical and classical. We encourage complete beginners to join and have a range of instruments available to hire for FREE.

The Corsham Windband Association (CWA) is a registered charity based at the Corsham Arts Centre, Pound Pill. In general, the aims of the association are to promote and foster the enjoyment of playing music with friends; promote musical proficiency and excellence; encourage social awareness and responsibility within the Association and local community. We have young musicians from Corsham and the surrounding areas in Wiltshire with ages ranging from 5 to 24 years. It is this company of young musicians that make up 3 very individual bands that form the core of the Association:

The Training Band. This band is made up of novice musicians with little or no experience of playing an instrument or reading music. The band is underpinned by a training and teaching programme that guides the musicians towards their Grade 1 & 2 practical and theory music exams. Although encouraged, it is not essential for Training Band members to take music exams as Training Band has an emphasis on the fun-side of music making with a weekend residential course, and other musical trips undertaken. Normally, as musicians progress to Grade 2, and at the discretion of the Musical Directors, individuals advance into the Spectrum band.

Spectrum Band. Spectrum is the intermediate band that accepts musicians who have reached a reasonable standard, usually grade 2 practical. Most members work towards further musical exams, not only for personal advancement but also to contribute to improving the Band’s overall performance. The band has a busy programme of engagements playing at fetes and open days, as well as entering competitions and music festivals. The musical directors will decide when an individual has shown the right attitude, commitment and achieved the appropriate musical standard in order to begin playing with the Youth Concert Band. It is expected that musicians would spend a transition period, usually the equivalent to a school term, playing in both Spectrum and YCB.

The Youth Concert Band (YCB). YCB is the most senior band. Membership is enjoyed by musicians who have generally attained a music Grade 4/5 practical exam. These musical skills are necessary in order for the musicians to cope with the standards expected by the band’s Musical Director and competition judges. The band is enthusiastic in entering international, national and local music festivals and has enjoyed considerable success in recent years at the National Music for Youth Competition. Along with Spectrum Band, YCB have undertaken tours to France, Germany, Norway and Scotland.

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The Corsham Windband Association