Chilli Road Band Taster Day

email paul@musicalmetal.com to find out more and let us know you are coming...

Why are we holding this day?

We need some new players, both because we have bought some new pans and to fill a few spaces. However, taking new people on can be challenging both for the band and for the new players. This day is intended to allow you to get a feel for how we operate and what it is like to be in the band and also for us to find out who is out there looking for a chance to play music.

Who can play in the band?

We have had players as young as 8, but we can only take 8/9 year olds if they come with a family member for support. The band has a number of older children who are a great asset and we are keen to encourage them and keep them through their teens. We also need our adult players and make the most of their non-music skills in running the band.

Suitable instruments are woodwind, brass and percussion. Stringed instruments are too quiet and we play without electricity. We have a set of steel pans but numbers are limited. Tubas, trombones and baritone saxes are always especially welcome (loan of low brass instruments – not saxes – is possible).

Wind players need to have a reasonable command of their instrument. We try to keep the music interesting and challenging enough for our best players while making sure there are straightforward parts for the less experienced.

The most important thing to us is not how old or experienced you are, but how long you will stay with the band and whether you will be able to attend rehearsals and gigs. We are also keen to encourage people who can contribute to the organisation of the band.

What does the band do?

We have a repertoire of at least 18 tunes which we need to maintain at performance standard so that we can perform all year. We try to learn at least a couple of new tunes each term. Material is wide ranging, a lot of our music has a latin feel but also includes rock, jazz and more.

We provide written music but also encourage playing by ear. There is room for a lot of improvisation in the band and we spend a significant amount of rehearsal time developing these skills.

We work to perform at a high standard – our normal charge is around £300 or more for a long or high profile gig. We do also support our local community by playing at a reduced rate or for expenses for local / fundraising events.

We meet on a Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm at Chillingham Road Primary School.

Performing is a very important aspect of the band. Our busiest time for performances is weekends in June and July and, although we don’t need every player at every gig, we do need as good a turn out as we can get.

What happens after the taster day?

It all depends on how many people want to join the band. There are limits on how many people we can take on at one time while maintaining our ability to perform and develop existing members. If there are a lot of people wanting to join we could look into the feasibility of running a ‘training band’.