The Senior Windband was formed approximately eleven years ago from the Woodwind section of the GYO.  The role of the Senior Windband is to train instrumentalists in the art of ensemble playing, using many different musical styles in a relaxed environment; through the experience and expertise of our various instrumental teachers. All student members are encouraged to perform solos or duets with the band.

Staff

The Senior Windband is conducted and directed by David Milner and George Parnaby with the support of Angela MacDonald  Woodwind;  and Tony Wilson, Percussion.

Membership

Current membership is around thirty instrumentalists, aged between 9 and 18 years; we also have several young adult members.  Our members play a wide variety of wind, brass and percussion instruments; with Double Bass or Electric Bass Guitar as required.  Musical ability is up to ABRSM Grade 8 +

Repertoire

Music ranges from the Middle Ages to 21st Century, including Standard Band Repertoire. Where appropriate music is written/arranged specially for the Band, with parts designed to accommodate all individual members.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening between 4.30-6.30pm during Gateshead Schools Terms, at the Dryden Centre (please see Contact Us for a map)

Concerts and Events

Each Summer we join with the GYO Strings for the annual Educational Visits to Europe, over the years we have travelled to Czech Republic, France, Italy, Spain, Austria and the Netherlands, carrying out various concert engagements and visiting places of educational interest. One of our important annual concerts is at The Sage Gateshead, usually in July.   This is an excellent venue for our ‘year 13 leavers’ who are usually encouraged to play a solo or a duet piece before they leave us to pursue their careers.   Recently we have enjoyed performances of ‘Blue Bells of Scotland, Air and Variations for Trombone and Concertino for Clarinet, by Weber.

Alumni

Three past members of the Band are currently training to be professional musicians at ‘The Royal Scottish Academy, Glasgow, and ‘The Royal Marines School of Music, Portsmouth.

We are keen to recruit new members for all instrumental sections,  currently we are particular interested in Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba players. Application to join the Band is through any member of Gateshead music service staff, or contact David Milner or George Parnaby at the Dryden Centre.