Bracknell & Wokingham Community Band
FAQs
We have assembled a list of common questions you may have about joining BWCB. Please get in touch if there is anything you wish to know.
Joining
I am interested to join a band but how do I know I am good enough?
We are a band community offering a range of playing opportunities whatever standard from approx. grade 3 upwards post grade 8. We are able to cater for a range of talents and abilities.
What vacancies are there?
Vacancies are continually evolving and as we have many bands there is always a space for people. Most often there are vacancies amongst low brass, bassoon, tuned percussion.
How do I know which band I can join?
After your initial inquiry you will be guided towards the most suitable band depending on individual standard, band experience and vacancy
Can I join a couple of rehearsals before I commit to join?
Yes. We offer 2 trial sessions for new joiners. Band reps will chat to you to see how you are getting on and if the band is right for you. During this time the Band Reps will email you with any information you need prior to formally joining and having access to the WhatsApp group for the Band.
I don’t know anyone in the band, how will I get to meet other people?
Everyone is very welcoming of new joiners and your Band Reps and Musical Director will be looking out for you when you join a rehearsal and you will be introduced to the other people in the section. There is a refreshment break with the rehearsal which is an excellent way to meet new people, as well as when we pack up at the end of rehearsal.
I’m 17 years old, can I join?
BWCB is an adult band community and can only recruit players who are at least 19 years old. We have contacts with other bands who do take younger players so please contact us so we can then help.
What is it like as a new member of the band?
It is always daunting when you join a new band but everyone is supportive and encouraging - especially Band Reps.
How do I request to Join?
Please contact us with your details and preferences. Typical information is:
- Your instrument(s)
- Your preference of particular bands
- Your availability of rehearsal times
- Your previous musical experience (grades, playing in bands)
- What you want to get out of joining a band
What happens when I request to join?
Your details will be discussed with the Musical Directors who will decide on the most suitable band for you to join and we can discuss this with you. You can request a preference and also it would depend on your ability, the needs for each band and your availability for the rehearsal dates and times.
What happens after a couple of rehearsals?
Your band Rep and the Musical Director will chat with you after the first couple of rehearsals. If you are happy to join we can discuss the setup of the fee payment with you and get you on the WhatsApp channel for the band.
Fees
What are the Fees
Fees are paid termly and are due at the start of term. There is a membership fee for BWCB and a fee for the individual band you play for. All bands rehearse for 36 weeks, and the fees are payable in 3 equal amounts for the year, although term lengths may vary. In addition to the member fees we also raise money in collections for the band at concerts, as well as raising money for charities.
What are we paying for?
BWCB Membership Fee:
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BWCB insurance for Public Liability
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BWCB insurance of all capital assets (music, percussion and miscellaneous items
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Legal cover for all bands and groups.
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New music
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Rental of a storage unit which holds all the BWCB music, chairs, banners, stand lights and a miscellaneous items.
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Admin overheads
Band fee:
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Rehearsal room hire
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Conductors fees for rehearsals
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Conductors fees for concerts.
When are fees due?
Fees are termly. On joining you can attend 2 rehearsals so you can confirm you want to join the band. Fees are then payable for pro-rata what is left of the term, by bank transfer. After that, Fees should be paid within the first two weeks of term, by bank transfer.
How much are the fees?
Please see the Band Fees page.
How do I pay?
Fees are payable by Bank Transfer. Our treasurer has to deal with over 140 members paying fees so we ask for everyone to pay the same way.
When you setup the bank transfer we will provide you with the account name, sort code and account number. Please quote the following as a reference:
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Name (Initial + Surname)
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Band (Concert = CB, Second Wind = SW, Beaufort = BFT, Breakaway Brass = BB, Liquorice Allsorts = LA, Classic Wind = CW).
For example: Wilma Flitstone plays in Beaufort Band and Concert Band
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Payment per term is £95 (£10 BWCB membership + £50 Concert Band + £35 Beaufort Band).
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Reference on the bank transfer is "WFlintstone CB CFT".
Band Logistics
How do Band Members and Band Reps communicate?
After you decide to join the individual band at BWCB you will get access to the WhatsApp group for that band. This is the main communication for the individual band.
Who do I contact if I cannot make a rehearsal?
Contact the Band Reps or if you're on the band WhatsApp group then that's an easy way to flag it up to everyone.
Who do I contact if I cannot make a concert?
Sign up sheets go round for concert availability. If your availability changes then contact your Band Rep or Musical Director via WhatsApp.
When are Concerts planned?
Each Band plans their own concerts. Generally, there would be at least one Concert a term and as much notice is given as possible. Band Reps use the schedule of all BWCB bands (seen here) to make sure there isn't a clash if common resources are needed (seating, drum kits, etc).
Do I need to provide a Dep if I cannot attend a concert?
The Musical Director will decide if a dep is needed and will source them.
What do I need to provide?
You will provide your own instrument, music stand for rehearsals, and optionally you may wish to insure the instrument for usage outside of your home (normally this within your home insurance).
What is provided when I join BWCB?
Sheet Music and a chair are provided. You need to provide your own instrument, music stand. BWCB does have some instruments, percussion and drum kits. Please contact us if you would like to know what instruments are available.
Can I join many bands and ensembles or move to another band?
It is possible to play in multiple bands however some wind bands rehearse at the same time. We do have people move between bands at the discretion of the Musical Directors.
Who do I go to if I have an issue or suggestion?
Your band rep should be the first line of contact.
BWCB Structure
Is BWCB one band or many?
This is a problem of our success! Originally, over 10 years ago we were one band. We've grown from the initial 40 members in Concert Band, and over time as we have got more people we have formed other bands and moved people around to cater for different levels and a membership of over 140 people. BWCB is now the name of the overriding band organisation with people now being in one or more separate bands or ensembles.
Why is there a Committee?
BWCB comprises of over 140 people with 6 bands and ensembles. The Committee provide the overall logistics to make things happen - rehearsal spaces, finance across all the bands, storage of music, chairs and BWCB owned musical equipment, insurance and manage the contracts with the Musical Directors. There is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes and the Committee help to make your experience of BWCB a great one.
What are the Committee Positions?
Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary and then 2 or 3 representatives per band.
What do the Band Reps do?
Support the Musical Director of the Band in the organisation of the band, and concerts, support players and new band mambers.
How can I get involved?
We welcome an active participation. Please speak to your Band Rep about how to get more involved with the running of the Band or BWCB. New committee members formally join at the AGM but we welcome help at any time.
When is the AGM?
Annually in the Autumn term.
Does everyone have to attend the AGM?
The AM is organised so all have opportunity to attend if they choose.