Keith Silver Band new project aims to hit the right note to attract young talent to their ranks
A community silver band have launched a bold new project to attract young talent to their ranks.
Keith and District Silver Band have unveiled their innovative project Roots - named after the origins of the group which can be traced back to 1966 - which will focus on providing opportunities for young people to enter the world of music as part of the brass band movement.
Tom Wright was one of the local peripatetic brass teachers who had the idea of forming a youth brass band to provide a platform for young brass players. This was initially based at Portsoy School before moving to Keith Grammar, later becoming a community band.
Several of the current members can trace their musical roots back to that time.
A spokesperson for the band said: “The band is excited to announce the start of our new project Roots.
“The project will commence on November 2 with an rehearsal afternoon which will be open to novices, young players with some experience and adult lapsed players (who may be looking to brush up their skills and start playing again).
“Training sessions will follow on each Sunday afternoon from 5pm to 6pm, immediately before the senior band rehearsal. This will provide a pathway for new players to follow, with the aim of joining the main band part time and then full time as they gain ability and experience.”
The band has a range of starter instruments. These and tuition will be free of charge until such time as the player joins the senior band full time.
There is also has an inventory of instruments suitable for more experienced players which are provided - again free of charge) -o players who do not possess their own. The project will be led by Angie Simpson (a retired brass teacher) who is passionate about the musical and life skills that a young player can gain in a supportive environment. She will work with a team of band members who all have current PVG (disclosure) clearance to work with young people.
Christine McKay, who is the band’s safeguarding officer, has a wide experience of working in schools and youth organisations and is an important member of the team. Tuition will be based on a recognised programme of learning and all new players will be provided with the course book and other material that they can use in home practice.
Anyone interested in joining the band or placing a young player on the course can contact committee members Steve Page (secretary) and Lesley Watt (engagement secretary) by raising an enquiry from the contacts page of group’s website - https://www.keithsilverband.org/ or via Facebook. They will call back with further details of the project and how to join it.
Keith and District Silver Band is a registered charity (OSCR - SC015416).