About The Band
We are a community wind (or concert) orchestra consisting of brass, woodwind and percussion players. We play a range of music from classic concert band pieces including marches, film scores and television music, musicals, and contemporary arrangements for concert band by composers such as Philip Sparke and Jay Bocook. We enjoy keeping our programmes fresh and exciting, for audiences and players alike!
Musical director
Helen Chong became the Musical Director of Stroud Area Wind Orchestra in September 2022. Helen taught for 27 years in six secondary schools within the county, finishing as Director of Music in a Cheltenham school. She is a clarinettist and saxophonist, as well as playing a bit of flute, and piano – badly! Helen has played in various ensembles, including Colwell Arts Jazz Ensemble and principal clarinet for the Glevum Orchestra in their annual ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert.
Band history
Stroud Area Wind Orchestra was founded in 2016 by musical director David Smith, to replace the defunct Archway Wind Band. The band quickly grew and established a reputation for strong performances.
The band were pleased to welcome Phil Storer as musical director from January 2019. A prominent local trumpeter, cornetist, band leader and educator, Phil previously led Gloucestershire Music's Brookfield Music Centre. He brought an increased focus on musicality and challenged us to reach new heights.
Helen Chong has picked up the baton from September 2022.
Join the band
Rehearsals
The band rehearses on Tuesday evenings, from 19:30 to 21:00, at the Nailsworth Band Room, Brewery Lane, Nailsworth, GL6 0JE
Joining
As a community band we welcome players of all standards and abilities. However, we also recognise that some people will be either nervous or perhaps unsure of how they might fit in to the band before committing to joining.
What we suggest is that new players wishing to try us out should come along for three rehearsals and then at the end of the third rehearsal have a discussion with our musical director. Once you and he are happy to proceed then you can decide if you wish to formally join the band at that point. This means you are under no obligation or pressure so you can relax and enjoy your playing.
All players are welcome to enquire, but some sections may have waiting lists.
Membership
A membership subscription is charged to contribute to Band running costs. This is currently £111 per year full rate or £36 for students and may be paid annually, termly, or monthly.