Article from the Kent Messenger Newspaper on October 1st 2004
THERE’S no need to feel brassed off if you are struggling to learn how to play a musical instrument. Cranbrook Town Band is offering free brass lessons to anyone, old or young, wanting to learn or improve their playing.
The group lessons take place every Thursday night at 7pm during term time at Angley School, Cranbrook. Instruments are also provided, with just a small fee to cover insurance costs.
The band received a substantial lottery grant some years ago, enabling it to replace all the instruments.
Since then one of the band members, Robin Traves, has been giving lessons in local primary schools.The old instruments have been made available for use by pupils and there are now more than 20 using them. Following the success of this scheme the band is now extending lessons to anyone wanting to learn a brass instrument or improve their playing.
The main band rehearses after the lesson until 10pm. Learners are encourages to stay and play for at least part of the rehearsal. It always welcomes new players and is able to provide instruments.
The band play a number of concerts each year, including the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, Hever Castle, Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone, and Cranbrook Church.For more details, contact Robin on 01580 890163.
The next chance to hear the band is on November 20 when it performs its annual concert in aid of Children in Need in the Queen’s Hall, Cranbrook School, at 7.45pm