String Group
Discover the joy of making music! Our program welcomes string beginners of all ages, with fun group tuition, free music provided, and exciting opportunities to shine in CWA concerts.
Beginners Group
Start your musical journey with us! We welcome brass, percussion, and woodwind beginners of all ages, offering group tuition, free instrument hire and music, plus the chance to perform on stage at CWA concerts.
Training band
A band for novice musicians
This band is made up of novice musicians with little or no experience of playing an instrument or reading music. The band is underpinned by a training and teaching programme that guides the musicians towards their Grade 1 & 2 practical and theory music exams. Although encouraged, it is not essential for Training Band members to take music exams as Training Band has an emphasis on the fun-side of music making with a weekend residential course, and other musical trips undertaken. Normally, as musicians progress to Grade 2, and at the discretion of the Musical Directors, individuals advance into the Spectrum band.
Spectrum Band
Spectrum is the intermediate band
Spectrum is the intermediate band that accepts musicians who have reached a reasonable standard, usually grade 2 practical. Most members work towards further musical exams, not only for personal advancement but also to contribute to improving the Band's overall performance. The band has a busy programme of engagements playing at fetes and open days, as well as entering competitions and music festivals.
The musical directors will decide when an individual has shown the right attitude, commitment and achieved the appropriate musical standard in order to begin playing with the Youth Concert Band. It is expected that musicians would spend a transition period, usually the equivalent to a school term, playing in both Spectrum and YCB.
Youth Concert Band
Youth Concert Band is the most senior and advanced band
YCB is the most senior band. Membership is enjoyed by musicians who have generally attained a music Grade 4/5 practical exam. These musical skills are necessary in order for the musicians to cope with the standards expected by the band’s Musical Director and competition judges. The band is enthusiastic in entering international, national and local music festivals and has enjoyed considerable success in recent years at the National Music for Youth Competition. Along with Spectrum Band, YCB have undertaken tours to France, Germany, Norway and Scotland.