By Jonny Irving

Last updated at 12:14, Wednesday, 20 March 2013

A band is making noises to attract new musicians to its ranks.

Bill Smith on tenor horn

Brampton Silver Band, which describes itself as a “happy bunch of people”, currently has 11 members with just eight attending regular practices.

Howard Robson, one of the committee members, said: “We had about 16 members two years ago which was when the band was in its best condition in recent memory.

“Usually you need about 24 players to make a brass band, that is what professional groups have.”

The band’s membership currently includes a joiner, a teacher, a reflexology practitioner and players with military experience.

Howard has urged local people to join.

He said: “We are a happy bunch of people and new players can further their musical talents on any of the instruments. If people don’t have their own instruments then we can supply them.

“It’s quite a good hall where we practice and on occasion we have social functions to get together.

“We will welcome both learners and experts and we can also provide transport to practices for people from Carlisle.”

Instruments played in the band include cornet, trombone, euphonium, horn, baritone and tuba.

Howard added: “The euphonium is one of the rarest instruments played but it is essential in a brass band. Luckily, we have a very good player but we could do with more.”

The youngest member of the group is 35 and the oldest is 80. Howard added: “We accept any age but students and young people would be a particularly welcome addition.”

The group practices on Tuesday evenings between 7pm-9pm at Great Corby village hall, with efforts ramped up around Christmas time.

They play carols in churches and old people’s homes, alongside a Remembrance Sunday event in St Martin’s church in Brampton where around 250 people attend.

Howard said: “It’s a really big parade and brilliant to play in, as well as being a nice parade.

“Another one of our big events happens every six months where we join Brampton Community Band for a concert in the community centre.

“They always stand out as good events because they are so well attended.”

A silver band and brass band are very similar. They use the same group of instruments but the name stems from many years ago when silver-plated instruments were more expensive, signifying a band’s success.

Brampton Silver Band has been in existence for more than 100 years. For more information phone Howard on 01228 539523.

First published at 11:56, Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk