What is the Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band (BWCB)?

  • A place for people to have fun and relaxation through playing music
  • Somewhere to develop musical skills and build friendships
  • A community of people who enjoy playing all types of music
  • A wind band that performs at concerts and events
  • A platform for a wide range of musical projects

Who Are We?

  • Eighty or more adults who want to play music together and retain and develop musical skills
  • Adults rekindling dormant music skills
  • Keen amateur musicians aspiring to a high standard, but mainly for fun
  • Ambassadors for the communities of Bracknell Forest and Wokingham
  • Role model for our children and other young people

Why Do We Do It?

  • Because we love playing music in a band
  • Because we want to make friends
  • Because we want to share our skills and learn together
  • Because it's fun

When?

  • Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings, 8-10 pm, during term time
  • Performances: as opportunities arise
  • Extra rehearsal dates during school holidays by arrangement

Where?

  • Rehearse at Brakenhale Open Learning Centre (OLC) ( map )
  • Perform in Bracknell, Wokingham and in future the wider community (UK, Europe)
  • Aiming to meet like-minded groups from other communities

How?

  • Led by experienced, professional teachers and musicians from Berkshire Maestros
  • Band members offer mutual support and advice

What Do We Play?

  • A wide range of wind band repertoire - military, film scores, popular music, contemporary compositions
  • Members' suggestions subject to professionals' lead on musical direction
  • Easier pieces to stay accessible to all and improve our playing ...
  • ... but working towards more challenging pieces and increasing repertoire over time

The Story So Far!

  • First rehearsal 5th January 2008
  • First performance 27th April 2008
"The hairs on the back of my neck really did rise"
Band member
"I was going to take the mickey on Monday - but it was really impressive"
Work colleague of band member
"I thought it was brilliant"
Mum of band member (former Maestros' student)
"Your concert was brilliant - now you know how it feels - you played the encore the best - very dramatic"
Maestros' student in audience

And the story continues...

  • To see reviews of other concerts we've played check out Gigs
  • To see the band perform check out the Upcoming Events