Senior Wind&Brass /Brent Concert Band
Senior Wind&Brass / Brent Concert Band (Grade 5+) Mondays, 6pm - 8pm, Lycee International de Londres, Wembley
Brent Concert Band (BCB) is one of Brent Music Service’s premiere ensembles. The band consists of pupils from various schools in the London Borough of Brent, who rehearse once a week during term-time. BCB has had a meteoric rise to fame in the past ten years. The band have won the top ‘Platinum’ award at the Regional Concert Band Festival on six separate occasions and have also won the same top ‘Platinum’ award at three National Concert Band Festivals. The band have recorded a CD, appeared on ITV television, performed on a live internet concert with the Colonel By High School Band in Ottawa, as well as giving regular concerts in London. BCB have also had the honour of performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall on a number of occasions.
In July 2013, the band undertook their first overseas tour, performing in Belgium and Germany and in July 2015 the band visited Tuscany in Italy, impressing audiences wherever they played. The band continued their continental adventures in 2017, when they took part in the World Concert Band Championships in Kerkrade, Netherlands, before continuing on to tour to the Black Forest.
The band performs regularly around the Borough and was due to go on a concert tour to France in summer 2020, which was sadly cancelled due to COVID-19. We hope we will be able to go next year instead!
Which instruments are included?
Following the format of a traditional concert band, the Brent Concert Band includes brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.
Brass: trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba
Woodwind: flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon and alto, tenor and baritone saxophone
String Bass/Bass Guitar
Percussion includes: drum kit, timpani, glockenspiel, xylophone, snare drum and much more!
How do I join?
Click on the link below and complete the form for the ensemble you would like to join. Your details will be passed to the leader of that ensemble and you should hear from them within a week (during term time).
What happens in the audition?
You will be introduced to the leader of the BCB who will ask you to perform a prepared piece of music to the required standard. You will also be given a short sight-reading excerpt from the bands repertoire.
How many concerts do you do?
Minimum of 3 concerts per year at the end of each term; however, this could increase subject to external engagements.
What does a rehearsal look like?
We all help set up before the rehearsal starts. The rehearsals are flexible between full band and sectionals, covering warm ups and repertoire.
What should I bring to rehearsals?
Your instrument!
Your music
A folder for your music - with your name on
A pencil
A water bottle
A snack for the break
Do you have any rules?
We all agree to abide by the behaviour code set down by Brent Music Service. We arrive 10 minutes before the rehearsal starts, set up music stands and chairs and at the end of the rehearsal, everyone is expected to help pack away.
What do you have to wear for concerts?
All black with a BMS tie. Black shirt/blouse, black trousers/skirt (NO JEANS), black socks, tights optional (black/neutral), black shoes. A formal black dress is also permitted but MUST cover shoulders and knees.