The
current membership of the band covers people of all ages and abilities.
We have an equal opportunities policy and we welcome new players from complete
beginners and less experienced players into our training band or more experienced
players into our senior band. Our current membership includes players who
have been with the senior band for 50 years, past and present students from
the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, and students from local
schools.
We are a traditional brass band, which comprises 25 players
in the following instrumentation:
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Cornets
An instrument pitched in Bb similar to a trumpet but with a conical bore
and a more mellow sound. There are 9 cornet players in a brass band, 4 front
row or 'solo cornet' players who usually 'play the tune'. On the 'back row'
there are two players who each play the second and third cornet parts. There
is also a Repiano player who either doubles the solo line or has his own
independent melodic line. |
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Soprano
cornet 1 player
This is pitched in Eb and is slightly smaller than the Bb cornets. In band
music this is used to brighten the sound of the cornet section. |
Flugel
horn 1 player
This instrument is pitched in Bb and has a rich mellow sound. This instrument
is the link between the cornet section and the horns. |
Tenor
horns - 3 players
These are played vertically and are pitched in Eb. The 3 players have parts
written independently namely Solo, 1st and 2nd horn. |
Baritone
horns 2 players
These are slightly larger than the horns and are pitched in Bb. There are
two independent parts for 1st and 2nd Baritone. |
Euphoniums
- 2 players
These are essentially small tubas pitched in Bb with 4 valves. Band music
is written for both players to play the same line. |
Trombones
- 3 players
There are 2 tenor and 1 bass trombone in a brass band. Each has an independent
part written. The Bass trombone is the only part in the Brass band, which
is written in Bass clef. |
Basses
- 4 players
There are four bass players in a Brass Band. These are the same as an orchestral
tuba. Two players have instruments pitched in Eb and two have larger instruments
pitched in Bb. |
Percussion
Music for Brass Band includes parts written for drum kits, concert drum,
timpani, glockenspiel, xylophone, tambourines, castanets, gongs cymbals
etc etc etc |
Conductor
Our resident conductor is Dave Walker. Dave has previously played with Calne,
Corsham and Mere Manor Brass. At Calne he was the bandmaster working with
David Evans on contest work. Dave was also Musical Director of Mere prior
to joining Bath Spa Band. Our deputy conductor is Dave Baker.
In the last year we have also worked with Jin Tanaka and Nigel Seaman to
help train the band and take us to contest. We are very grateful for the
help and experience that both have provided.
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