Ebor Brass Band marks anniversary by launching training group (From York Press)

Ebor Brass Band marks anniversary by launching training group

8:08am Friday 11th December 2009

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A BAND which helps would-be musicians hit the high notes has tuned up for its 30th anniversary with three Christmas concerts at Castle Howard.

Ebor Brass Band is visiting the stately home at Coneysthorpe, between York and Malton, three weekends in succession as part of its Christmas season.

In March, it marks its 30th birthday.

Brian Henderson, band spokesman, said: “We were invited to go to Castle Howard and play Christmas music. From what we gathered from people who passed by, it was well received.”

He founded the band, whose members are of all ages, in 1980. It provides instruments and lessons free of charge.

“If you learn an instrument at school then it costs money. If I had to pay when I started I would not have been able to do it, so I thought it would be nice to do it for someone else.”

He hopes to expand the band in time for the big birthday.

“We are looking to set up a training band as a feeder to the main one, that will take part in competitions in its own right,” he said.

The band, which has 27 members, includes a competition band made up of 25 players, and it is a constant struggle to make sure they have enough people available to play for different events.

“We often lose people, because they retire, or want to do other things, or get boyfriends or girlfriends,” said Mr Henderson.

He said they were always on the lookout for new players, and for some form of sponsorship to help the band continue to offer quality teaching free of charge.

He thanked Westfield School, Acomb, for its assistance in providing a rehearsal venue for the band. The band will return to Castle Howard this weekend.

Anybody interested in learning to play a brass instrument and joining the band should phone Mr Henderson on 01904 798616.

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