Our mission is to advance the education and appreciation of the arts by teaching music and performing. Downton is a modest-sized village on the edge of the New Forest between Salisbury and Fordingbridge, boasting a rich history of some 7000 years. Downton Band is a traditional British brass band which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023. Downton Band is a not-for-profit charity organisation,
funded by member subscriptions, kind donations and engagements. Please see below for more information about our three bands. If you are interested in joining or booking any of the Downton Bands, please use the contact forms on our website www.downtonband.org.uk to get in touch.
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Downton Band is an integral part of village life, serving the community at events such as the Cuckoo Fair, Armistice Day and of course Christmas carolling - including very early on Christmas morning! We perform annually at the New Forest Show as well as concerts and events in the local area and further afield. Downton Band is also a contesting band, currently competing in the third section in Wessex and West Of England contests - plus an annual trip to the Whit Friday Marches. Like many brass bands, we play all sorts of music from serious original pieces, traditional marches and classical music to jazz, film scores, pop hits and showtunes. Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 8.00-10.00pm
Standard: Competes in third section nationally, minimum standard around grade 4
Cost: £10 per month
Instruments available to borrow free of charge. We can also provide smaller ensemble of players playing for all occasions including fetes, fairs, weddings, church services, parties, picnics and pubs! Some of our recent highlights include a society wedding at Wilton House, a German-style beerfest at Salisbury Rugby Club and fitting in four concerts in one weekend during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee!
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Downton Training Band is a brass band for learners and improvers of all ages. Many of our Training Band members started learning in Beginners Brass. Rehearsals: Wednesdays during Wiltshire term time, 6.15-7.15pm
Standard: Able to read music and play independently
Cost: £1 per week, which includes tuition, instrument loan and music
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Downton Beginners Brass offers everyone the opportunity to learn brass and percussion with lots of fun along the way. We provide tuition, music and expertise - plus we will even lend you an instrument. Beginners Brass is designed for people who wish to start playing, no musical experience necessary. It it also ideal if you are looking to pick music back up after a break. All you need to do is bring yourself and your enthusiasm! We welcome people of any age and particularly encourage families to come along and learn together. Rehearsals: Tuesdays during Wiltshire term time, 6.15-7.30pm
Standard: Complete beginners upwards! Cost: £1 per week, which includes tuition, instrument loan and music
