Why learn to play

It will make you smarter

It will make you smarter. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for maths and science.

Improved social life

Playing an instrument isn’t only good for your brain, it’s also great for expanding your social circle (sorry, pianists and organists). Joining a brass band at any age encourages you to develop relationships with new kinds of people.

You will be healthier

Music keeps you calm. It has a unique effect on our emotions, and has even been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure. You will have fun, and that's good for everyone.

Our Training Program

Our training band has been running for many years and is now under Sarah Leeves’s wing - who better to make this a great experience for all but our inspirational and endlessly enthusiastic musical director. Sarah is a professional musician and brass instructor at schools across the county, which means she is extremely experienced, an expert is dealing with children and, of course, has the appropriate DBS checks in place. All our rehearsals take place in our dedicated bandroom in Alexandra Road, Heathfield TN21 8EA.

17:45 - 18:30 - THE LESSON GROUP

In the lesson group you will learn the basics of holding and blowing your chosen instrument, as well as the fundamentals of reading music, working alongside similarly placed learners of all ages. It's a relaxed, fun environment with no pressure, and The Lesson Group is open to anyone of any age who is curious about learning a brass instrument, or just fancies having a go on one !

18.30 - 19.15 - THE TRAINING BAND

The Training Band comprises learners who have progressed from The Lesson Band and are learning to play ensemble pieces. They meet on Tuesday nights from 18.30 to 19.15. Now you can start to hear yourself sounding like a player as part of a larger group. You'll learn how to make your music fit in with that of others, how to blend with other musicians, and work as a team. This is when people often fall in love with the sound of brass music.

19:30 - 21:30 - THE MAIN BAND

The main band is the group that performs at all events, and takes in members who have developed from the training band. We are also open to players of all abilities who are visiting the area, or have taken a break from playing music and want to come back to it. Just come along a litte earlier and meet our Musical Director.

Interested in Joining?

We understand you might be nervous, or shy. Don't worry, we are a very friendly bunch of people who enjoy welcoming new players. It doesn't matter whether you are 8 or 80, or whether you are a professional player or have never picked up an instrument. Come and say hello :)