Frome Town Band

INTRODUCTION TO THE BAND

Frome Town Band is a charity organisation and has history dating back to 1911.  It is run by a dedicated committee who are all playing members and is governed by its trustees.  We are a friendly community band, with an active gig calendar and in excess of 50 members.  Our rolling programme welcomes people from complete beginner to pro, to be part of the band through three groups – beginners, intermediates and main band.  We also run an active and successful outreach project, which reaches directly into schools to enthuse youngsters to enter the world of brass from an early age.  In the band’s history many members have gone on to become successful musicians, including (but not limited to) 2 recent members who went on to the Royal Academy and won awards at the Royal College of Music. 

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The band is funded predominantly by its members at just £12 per month, making this an accessible activity to everyone.  Fundraising and the occasional successful grant application helps keep membership costs low. 

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OUR MUSICAL DIRECTOR

​FROME TOWN BAND has welcomed a familiar face as its new conductor, with local musician Rob Bartlett taking over the baton.  The search initially took the band far and wide as members looked for someone with the musical experience and enthusiasm to lead the group. In the end, however, the ideal candidate was much closer to home.

 

Rob Bartlett is a former front-row cornet player with Frome Town Band. He has strong connections with a number of musical groups in and around the area and brings considerable musical experience to the role.  Although this is Rob’s first time conducting a brass band, his knowledge of music and his long-standing involvement in the local music scene put him in a strong position to take on the new challenge.

 

His connections with the Frome community are also particularly important to the band, which is keen to continue its work bringing live music to local audiences and making brass banding accessible to people of all ages.  “I’m looking forward to getting involved in every element of brass banding in the community,” said Rob.  He was given little time to settle into the role before making his first appearance with the band, taking part in its performance on the music stage at the recent Frome Cheese Show.  “I was in at the deep end with the performance on the music stage at the Cheese Show,” he said. “And we’ve already started rehearsing for Remembrance and even for our Christmas show.”

 

The band is now looking ahead to a busy programme of performances and community events, with Rob at the helm.  For Frome Town Band, the appointment brings a new chapter for the band while retaining a strong connection with its past – and with the local community it has served for so many years.​

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AIMS

Frome Town Band aims to provide opportunities to those living in Frome and surrounding areas to come together to learn, play, enjoy and perform brass music, and in doing so promote and develop brass music within the local community.

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VALUES

FTB values have been gathered from our diverse members.  We value:

• Musical Quality – We aim to play to the best standard we reasonably can.  

• Enjoyment & Fun – Making music is joyful and uplifting for members and audiences.  

• Inclusivity – Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, ability, background, or experience.  

• Learning & Development – Members are supported to grow musically and personally.  

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MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION

All potential new members will be offered a free introductory visit.

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REHEARSAL TIMES

The band practices on Wednesday evenings during term time at Frome College,

In the Main Hall , the entrance opposite Thomas Bunn Close. 

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Beginners Band        5:50 pm - 6:30 pm

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Intermediate Band   6:30 pm -8:15 pm

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Main Band                 7:15 pm -9:15 pm

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BEGINNERS BAND

Anyone who is interested in learning to play  a brass instrument is welcome to join our Beginners band, as long as we have sufficient capacity. You do not have to have your own instrument if we are able to provide one which suits you.

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You can join with no knowledge of music whatsoever. We will teach you to read music and to play an brass instrument.

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You will be expected to keep to the rules of the band.

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INTERMEDIATE BAND

You will be able to read music, for players who have passed their Grade one and above. Also for past players who are returning to playing brass who needs to build their confidence.

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MAIN BAND

Anyone interested in joining our main band should discuss with our musical director and come along to a main band practice. You will need to be able to read music and be ready to start playing music of the required standard.

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You will be expected to keep to the rules of the band.

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Band membership is by monthly subscription and is a low flat-rate of £12 per member (junior or adult) per calendar month. Payment can be made by direct debit and ideally should be Gift Aided (FTB is a registered charity 1010153). Membership subscription includes loan of brass instruments, sheet music, uniform and well as group tuition within the band.

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