FAQs
If you have further questions, then please get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Band?
A traditional Brass Band is made up of 25 brass musicians, 2 to 4 percussionists, and 1 conductor; this gives a total of around 28 to 30 people. We aim to follow this format although, depending on player availability and vacancies, we could be slightly smaller in practice. Occasionally we play as a smaller ensemble for certain events (e.g. carolling), but not often. Please be aware that, as well as chairs and music stands, we use brass instruments of all shapes and sizes, and our percussion section can be incredibly varied depending on the music we'll be performing. It's always best to clarify with us how much performance space is available, especially if there are any doubts or concerns.
What music can the Band perform?
We have a comprehensive music library containing thousands of pieces of music which we are always looking to update and expand. This gives us a vast repertoire that spans many different styles and genres meaning we can provide the perfect music for almost any occasion! Most importantly, make sure we know what you have in mind so we can craft you the best possible programme for your event.
Where can the Band perform?
We are powered by lungs and muscles which means we can perform almost anywhere! We have performed indoors and outdoors at a variety of concerts, contests, services, fetes, fayres, markets, and shows. Some examples include Taunton Flower Show, Somerset Armed Forces Day, Wincanton Racecourse, Stourhead National Trust, The Newt in Somerset, Glastonbury Extravaganza, Bath Christmas Market and BBC Radio Somerset. As an ensemble that's on the larger side, we can get rather loud during performances and so confined or boomy spaces should probably be avoided.
How long can the Band perform for?
The most common ask we get is for 2 45-minute sets with a small 15-to-30-minute interval in between; this works well for something like a concert or fete. We prefer to play sets that are no longer than 1 hour to ensure we can deliver the best possible performance for our audience. Akin to athletes in sport, prolonged periods of playing without rest can cause fatigue which can affect our ability to produce notes, especially those in the higher register.
What logistics need considering?
Our players are spread across the region and, although some lift share, this means there are many cars to park. We also hire a van which, besides parking, will need access as near as possible to the performance space due to the weight and bulk of our larger instruments and equipment. We won't need electricity, but we will need chairs (without arms) for each player. It is best to allow at least 15 minutes for us to set up in the performance space and the same again to pack down. When playing outside, and depending on the weather forecast, we appreciate being under some kind of cover (e.g. a marquee) in case of rain or blistering sun.
What costs do the Band have?
We are a local community organisation and, although we are nonprofit, we do need to be able to cover our running costs to keep the Band operating. Here are some examples of how and where we spend our money: van hire, paying our conductor, renting a rehearsal and storage space, buying new music, buying and repairing band instruments, buying and repairing band equipment (e.g. music stands and banners, uniforms, instrument mutes, etc), printing and publicity costs, venue hire costs, contest entry fees, brass band association fees, insurance costs (e.g. public liability, instrument and equipment cover, etc), and that's just to name a few!
How does Brass Band grading work?
Brass Band grading works similarly to Football and other sporting leagues with each graded band belonging to either the Championship, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Section. Bands across the country are divided into smaller regional areas and annually, in February or March (depending on the region), these areas hold contests for each section over the course of a weekend. The results from these contests are combined with the results from the previous 2 years and bands now at the top of each section are promoted whilst bands now at the bottom of each section are relegated. A national version of these contests takes place later in the year featuring the top bands of each section from each region that year, though the results of this have no effect on a band's grading.