Description

The Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band is a symphonic wind band based in Sevenoaks, Kent, but with its players drawn from a wide area. With a busy schedule of performances at different venues across the region, our repertoire ranges from original works for wind ensemble to arrangements of orchestral pieces, military band items and light music of various styles

Our Training Band offers an opportunity for less experienced players to develop their skills.

Formed in 1980, the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band is well-known in the area’s musical community. As well as local players, it attracts musicians from further afield across Kent, and from East and West Sussex and south east London.

Our indoor concerts usually follow a theme, and explore a wide range of music chosen both to please the audience and to challenge to the players. They also enable us to raise money for selected local charities. From time to time the Band will support a noted guest soloist in a major work.

Through the summer the Band fulfils a busy schedule of performances on bandstands and at community events across south east England. We also programme concert tours in the UK and abroad, and occasional residential music workshops.

The Concert Band generally recruits experienced ensemble players, but our musicians range in age from school students to retired members. To support and develop less accomplished players, we also have a Training Band. Members of the Training Band are encouraged to join the Concert Band as they progress.

Membership of the Concert Band is open to all woodwind, brass and percussion players of at least Grade 7 standard with ensemble playing experience, subject to the need to maintain an appropriate balance between different sections.

There are no formal auditions, but we invite prospective new members to participate in three rehearsals to enable the Band to get to know you, and for you to get to know us. Membership is then at the discretion of the Musical Director. For more information please contact the Musical Director.

Our Training Band welcomes less experienced players, and aims to give them the opportunity to develop their skills. As with the Concert Band, we operate a trial period rather than holding auditions. For information about the Training Band please contact the Conductor.

Both bands rehearse weekly on Friday evenings during school term times at Knole Academy West, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3LE. Timings are as follows:
6:00 to 7:30pm: Training Band
7:45 to 9:45pm: Concert Band

A membership application form is available on the bands website.

Description

The Busiest Bandstand in the UK offering a variety of live musical entertainment with over 140 events each year; from Tribute Shows to 1812 Firework concerts to kids entertainment.

The current bandstand was built in 1935, with its unique semi-circular design and blue domed roof; there is no other like it in the United Kingdom.

It has a main arena, middle and upper balconies and seats for 1,400.

The building of the Bandstand formed part of the main seafront improvements, cost £28,000 to construct and was surmounted with a stainless steel spire. The project engineer was Leslie Rosevere.

The first concerts were given on the 28th July 1935 with a total of 10,400 attending all three concerts and paying 3d each. The Bandstand was officially opened on the 5th August 1935 by the Lord Lieutenant of the county, Lord Leconfield with an audience of 8,000.

For many years the Bandstand has played host to a full programme of concerts and has survived as a musical entertainment venue because of its ever-changing programme, introducing new audiences and new entertainments without forgetting the more popular traditional concerts.

Bad Weather Policy
The stage and parts of the venue are undercover and on average 98% of performances go ahead. Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather unless the event or concert is cancelled by the management.
If a concert or event is cancelled by the management due to adverse weather or any other exceptional circumstances before half of the scheduled concert has taken place then a refund will be offered. Refunds must be claimed with 14 days of the scheduled performance.

Eastbourne Bandstand is a multi-level venue with a maximum licenced capacity of 1600. The main arena can hold a maximum of 700 for a seated event. The middle balcony can hold a maximum of 600 and the upper balcony (no disabled access) can seat a maximum of 300

Access for wheelchair-users is via the promenades; lower and middle. If you have any special access requirements please let us know in advance.

Grand Parade,

Eastbourne,

East Sussex,

England,

BN21 3AD.