About the Band

Grays Town Band is based in the borough of Thurrock, Essex and has been in existence since 1888 making it Thurrock's oldest Band, at 131 years this year. Practices are every Monday from 7.15 to 9.30 at its bandhall in John Street, Grays.

Although it has a traditional background, the Band does not rely on its history to exist. Instead the Band has a very flexible approach to music and to the style and number of players that the engagement requires. Due to this flexibility the band has played at various venues in the last few years ranging from the Imperial War Museum (Book Launch), Mexican Stage Band (Amateur Dramatics), Italian nights, Birthday / Anniversary parties as well as more traditional venues such as Concert Hall and Fetes.

The band now regularly holds themed concerts which have been a great success. In the last couple of years we have had Queen, Abba, Blues Brothers, 70's, 80's, Disney, SKA, Rat Pack, Reggae and Motown. We have also completed the bands second CD as part of our 125th Anniversary celebrations and plans are underway for another CD to celebrate 130 years.

The Band is also heavily involved in teaching youngsters to play brass instruments (Thursdays 6.00pm to 8pm) and entering them for external music exams. This has been very successful and in the past few years the Band has had many successes including grade 8 passes. This is provided to the pupils for just £1 a week which includes hire of an instrument. This has also been a successful way of introducing players into the Band, where currently over 75% of the players have at some stage been taught by the Band. There is also a learners band (Thursday Night 6.30pm to 7.15pm) which is very successful and takes part in the band concerts.

The players are mixed in both ages and professions with ages ranging from 7 to 87 and professions including Teachers, Accountants, Engineers, Students, Nurses, and even a civil servant!.

The Band has a friendly and positive outlook so why not give the Band a try?

Alternatively why not book the Band for an engagement, no job too big or too small!