The Junior Windband was formed approximately three years ago.  The role of the Junior Windband is to encourage beginners by introducing them to playing music in different styles in an ensemble situation and to reinforce instrumental lesson work eg. scales, musical instructions, notation, fingering, rhythm and time keeping.

Staff

Tom Rushton assisted by Angela MacDonald.

Membership

The band is open to all beginners; several current members joined after their first lesson. We do not have any lower or upper age limit  (our current age group is 9 years+) and we also admit adult beginners to the Band. (Parents are welcome to attend rehearsals with their children, as long as they are also learning to play an instrument.)  As students progress they eventually join the Senior Windband, many of whom play in the Woodwind section of the Gateshead Youth Orchestra.
Seven past members now play in the Senior Windband.

Repertoire

The repertoire for the ensemble includes Marches, Children’s Music, Popular Music, Simple Classics and Seasonal Music as appropriate.

Rehearsals

Every Thursday during Gateshead School Terms from 4.15-5.45 pm at the Dryden Centre (please see Contact Us for a map)

Concerts and Events

The Band usually gives two concerts each year, Christmas and The Junior Showcase Concert in the summer term. We also hold several workshops throughout the School year.

We are keen to recruit new members for all instrumental sections.  Application to join the Band is through any member of Gateshead music service staff; or contact Gateshead Schools’ Music Service at the Dryden Centre.