Shirland Welfare Training Band

The Shirland Welfare Training Band takes players from junior school age, as well as a few adult learners, and has a regular concert diary of its own.

This thriving band is presently under the leadership of Shirland's flugel player, Emma Walton, who recently took over the baton from Pete Rhodes. Many of Pete's students have gone on to gain wider experience and contest success with the senior Shirland Welfare Band. Much of the musical discipline that is essential if a player is to develop successfully is established through both Emma and Pete's hard work and dedication, not to mention boundless patience!

Many of the young children get their first taste of competition through the Training Band, taking part in local Slow Melody contests, where Shirland players have won many trophies and prizes.

What Shirland provides:

• Free instrument loan
• Free one-to-one and group tuition
• Free music
• Free uniform
• Organised weekly practices
• Coach travel to distant contests
• Social events, i.e., bonfire, Easter Egg Hunt
• Trips abroad
• Child orientated environment
• Welcoming atmosphere
• Concerts, competitions and fun

Any child who can play or is learning a brass instrument is welcome to visit Shirland and see what we have to offer. We do not ask for any subscriptions and we will loan instruments free-of-charge to any players who do not have them. However, in return, we would like parents and guardians of the players to become involved with the band, helping us in the week to week organisation and enjoying the social facilities available in the Welfare. Shirland is very lucky in that it enjoys some of the best facilities available to any brass band and we hope that you will make the best of them, to the benefit of your child.

Training Band meets at the Shirland Miners Welfare band room each and every Thursday night, between 7.00pm and 8.15pm, the only exception being during August. See map.