Thorpe Brass

Thorpe Brass is the school band for Thorpe Primary School in Thorpe. The band is made up predominantly of players from years 5 & 6, with year 4s joining in the second term. Year 4 rehearse separately most of the time to years 5 & 6 to improve their music reading and performance ability. By the end of the summer term, all three year groups join together for a couple of musical numbers.

Any Y4 student is welcome to join the after-school group. They must complete the online form before the first session in January. Y5 and Y6 pupils are welcome to join, even if they have not been able to join during Y4. They must, however, have completed the Y4 brass lessons and will need to pay for instrument hire.

The next level of playing is the Egham Training Band, which is by invitation only once a pupil has reached a certain ability.

Rehearsals Date & Time: Mondays 3.10-4.10pm

MD: Hannah Griffin

Support: As the band is a small ensemble led by a conductor and support volunteer, the members received close attention and support.

Subs: Free

Instrument Hire:

Plastic instrument hire is free for the duration of Year 4.
Once students progress into year 5 and by year 6, they are encouraged to move onto a metal instrument.  There is a small hire fee for the continued use of a plastic instrument as well as for metal instruments.

• £10/month plastic instrument
• £18/month metal instrument

What to Expect:

• Opportunity to practice as part of a brass band
• Weekly rehearsals in school with experienced and qualified musicians
• Instrument hire (subject to availability)
• Instrument loan so that members can try different instruments
• No cost for the after-school band
• Subsidised and supported by The Egham Band
• Robust Safeguarding Policy
• Brass Band England, BandSafe Accredited

What We Expect:

• Behaviour: We have a Behaviour Policy to ensure that all rehearsals and concerts are enjoyable for everyone.
  • On the first instance of breaking the behaviour policy - parents and the school will be contacted and informed.
  • On the second instance, they will be asked to leave the ensemble.
  • This behaviour policy is signed on the online joining form before they join the ensemble
• Practice: Members of the ensemble are expected to practice to improve
• Attendance: Attendance is expected at both weekly rehearsals and concerts/events.
  • The ensemble is a group activity and benefits from full attendance at rehearsals and events
  • If members are not going to be attending a session/ event, both the school and the youth team should be made aware
• Music: It is the pupil's responsibility to bring their music to every session/ event - they are provided with a folder with their name and music, a pencil is also required at rehearsals

1 to 1 Tuition / Small Group Tuition

The benefits of 1:1 tuition include:

• Time and attention given on a direct and personal basis
• Lessons tailored to specific needs and learning styles
• Support and coaching through performances, Grade exams, music theory, etc.
• Advice on how to practice and progress independently
• Increase in confidence and passion for their instrument

Changing Instrument

An annaul "Come-and-try" event is held at the Egham Band Hall towards the end of the Summer term for all after-school group level players and above to try another instrument.
In order to move to another instrument, they must attend this event. Y4 students will not be able to swap instruments until the end of the Summer term.
 

Sample of Events

• St Mary's Church Christmas Light Switch On
• Annual Youth Programme Christmas Concert in St John's Church
• Annual Youth Programme Spring Concert in St Paul's Church
• Egham Bands Solos/ Small Ensembles Concert
• Thorpe Summer Fair
• Thorpe School Summer Fair
• Thorpe end of year Summer Concert