Bracknell & Wokingham Community Band (BWCB) was founded in 2008. We were initially one Concert Band and have grown substantially over the years. We are now have 3 wind bands, 3 ensembles with over 120 playing members.​​ Each band performs a number of concerts throughout the year playing music from classical to contemporary, jazz to pop, including TV shows and film scores. ​

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BWCB bands are non-audition.  Each band caters for musicians at different stages in their musical journey; maybe within a band for players with limited playing ability/band experience or within a different band offering opportunity for players with advanced musical experience and ability.  Where possible we try to accommodate all players who wish to play with BWCB.

Each band offers a warm welcome to new players; somewhere to share your enjoyment of music making.  We meet during term time only; enabling a wide range of people and ages to enjoy what we offer.  Concerts are spaced throughout the year, usually during the school term. The holidays are free from rehearsals, possibly giving more flexibility for parents or grandparents with child caring roles.

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BWCB was the idea of Marc Edwards, who was a strong advocate for music in the community and a fantastic musician and teacher of music. He was Head of Brass at Bracknell Music Centre and his energy and passion to get people engaged in music is a great legacy that he passed on to many people. He recognised that the parents who supported their children for band music practice at the weekend probably once played instruments themselves and would enjoy the opportunity to play in a band again. From this initial idea, and with the support from Gill Leather from the Bracknell Open Learning Centre, a rehearsal space was offered and BWCB was born.  The first wind band was started in 2008 and grew to over 60 players. Over time the other wind bands and ensembles formed - all under the umbrella of BWCB.

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We look forward to you coming along to play at one of our band rehearsals to see what BWCB can offer you.

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Our Bands are:

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BWCB Beaufort Band - ​A wind band for members with less band experience or who are more experienced ensemble musicians but just starting out with a new band instrument.​

BWCB Second Wind - ​A wind band for members who are of an intermediate to advanced level of playing with competent sight-reading and technical skills. Previous band or group experience is preferable but not essential

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BWCB Concert Band - ​A wind band for members who are experienced band, orchestral or ensemble players, probably at or beyond Grade 6

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BWCB Breakaway Brass - A brass band that welcomes brass bands with a range of experience and skill level.

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We have musicians who are a member of one band and also others who play in multiple bands and ensembles. Rehearsals are also on different days of the week, times and venues around Bracknell and Wokingham which may help you select the most suitable band for you. Details of our rehearsals venues and times can be found here.​

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if you have any enquiry, or want to join us, or book us for an event please get in touch