Band history & ethos
The Hebden Bridge Junior band was formed in October 1971 by Brian Haydn Robinson, from a group of eight players. The band is self-supporting and is run by a committee of parents who are elected annually.
Rehearsals are held weekly and engagements range from informal community performances right through to the occasional competition and formal concert in Hebden Bridge and beyond. Proceeds from concerts and other fundraising activities, along with subscriptions, allow us to cover our regular costs, to pay for new instruments and the upkeep of existing ones and help towards any trips and tours.
We want our band to be fun for all our players, and want to embrace modern brass music, whilst at the same time honouring our banding tradition.
Expectations
We expect players to attend weekly rehearsals and engagements as they arise.
If players are unable to attend, it is vital that you inform us as soon as early as possible.
Players are responsible for looking after and remembering to bring their music to rehearsals. They should also take care and maintain their instruments, and report any damage immediately to the Musical Director.
We ask that fees are paid monthly by standing order.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held weekly during term time. are designed to stretch players’ abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment, enabling them to play a range of musical styles. The band meets weekly during term time at The Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge. We have concerts of varying sizes throughout the year.
Beginner band – Thursday 5pm to 6pm
Main band – Thursday 6pm to 7.45pm
Concerts / Other Events
Players will be given a HBJB blazer and tie free of charge before their first concert. These should be worn with white shirts, black trousers/skirts, black socks and black shoes for all performances.
Beginner band members will be given a maroon band polo shirt to wear.
Concert and event details are sent via Muzodo and email, and reminders or last minute changes are sent via our WhatsApp group.
We ask all parents to ensure that they respond to concert invitations as soon as possible so that we can assess whether we have sufficient players to perform.
Absences
If you do find that you are unable to attend a rehearsal or performance, it is vital that you inform us at the earliest possible moment.
Fees
Membership fees year 2024-25 (from 1st Nov 2024) will be as follows…
- £30 per calendar month, this includes. Fees should be paid monthly as a standing order or if preferred, annually in November as a lump sum.
- Reduced fees are available, please speak to our Treasurer, Hannah Dyson to discuss this.
We allow all players a two-week trial period free of charge.
Safeguarding
All HBJB tutors and our Music Director are DBS checked and the band has a full safeguarding policy. We ask that players do not leave the rehearsal or event without either their responsible adult, or without parental permission to do so. We would prefer parents of younger players to remain on-site during their rehearsal.
Photographs – please ensure that any photos or videos taken at rehearsal or at events are not shared on social media without parents/players consent. Any photos the band shares will have consent from parents. We will never name a player, unless parental permission has been given for a specific purpose or award.
No band photos are stored on committee members personal devices. We store them on a private drive for our own use.
Our Safeguarding officer is Simon Buttler. Should any player or parent have any concerns, please contact him at simon.buttler@calderdale.gov.uk
Code of Conduct – Under review
As drawn up by band members
- Hebden Bridge Junior Band enjoys a high reputation for its music and for its discipline,both on and off the concert platform. Band members should always remember that they carry the responsibility for keeping, improving or losing that reputation.
- An action which puts other people or their property in danger or is likely to give the band a bad name should be considered to be against band rules.
- Band members are expected to show respect to their surroundings, each other, to the Conductor and to officials. The Music Director and committee should likewise treat band members with respect.
- The Music Director’s decision on all matters concerning music, discipline and appearance should be respected and accepted at all times. Disrespect and disagreement should be avoided, especially in public. Any disagreement should be raised with the committee.
- Band members should make every effort to attend all practices. It would be courteous to apologise and give a reason for any absence.
- After practices, band members are responsible for putting away their stands, chairs and looking after their music.
- Band members are responsible for ensuring that their instrument and instrument case is kept safe and in good condition.
- Band members are expected to attend all engagements for full band and for smaller groups when asked. Permission to be excused should be sought from the MD or Committee.
- Band members are responsible for ensuring that they arrive at engagements at the correct time and in the correct uniform.
- If members wish to play with other bands or groups (other than school bands), such requests should be put in writing to the committee. Hebden Bridge Junior Band should take precedence.
- There should be no smoking or drinking in band uniform or on band coaches.
- Specific rules for overnight visits and tours should be drawn up in advance and agreed by band members and committee.