Towcester Studio Band
Towcester Studio - Open Band
In September 2024 we started to run a BEGINNER BRASS programme called ‘Learn to Play Brass’ which ran for about 18 months, Open to beginners of all ages, it followed our 2-stage ‘Learn to Play Brass’ programme which covered the basics of brass playing as well as musicianship and theory. A new group also started in September 2025.
The lessons, instruments, tutor book and uniform are all provided free of charge and run on a weekly basis on Wednesdays before the main senior band rehersal (term-time only).
As of September 2026 we have combined the 2025 and 2026 gradutes to form an 'Open Band'
Our Tutor, Dai Rose, has worked his whole career in education - in primary schools for 25 years as a teacher and headteacher before becoming Head of Milton Keynes Music Service (for 10 years) and then Head of Music for Bedford Borough for 5 years before retiring in 2021.
Open Band
Launched in 2026 our OPEN BAND is open to those who may wish to return to playing after a long break as well as those who have progressed from our Beginner Programme, ‘Learn to Play Brass’. The Band meets on Wednesday evenings (term-time only) from 6-7pm and includes a refreshment break when players can chat and mix socially. It is expected that members of this band have either been through ‘Learn to Play Brass’ programme or have had experience playing a brass instrument at some level in the past.
There are opportunities for public performances and will be playing at the Autumn 2026 Concert with the main band at St. Lawrence Church, Towcetser.
Dai is also supported by Towcester Studio Band players, who attend the rehearsals and many of the parents also stay and observe the lessons – which are great fun.
All costs of these lessons are covered by Towcester Studio Band, which is grateful to Arts Council England for providing the initial starting instruments as part of the Have A Blast in Towcester (HaBIT) project in 2023/24. We also thank West Northamptonshire Council, Tesco’s Stronger Starts and Friends of Towcester Studio Band (FrOTS) for their financial support.
Please contact us if you would like to join Friends of Towcester Studio Band and help support this initiative with a donation at :
friendsoftsb@gmail.com
