We have a Tenor Horn Vacancy at present!
See Vacancies section below for more information

Wallace & Gromit - The Wrong Trousers

Hitchin Band - Wallace & Gromit - The Wrong Trousers

A cracking LIVE concert for the whole family with Hitchin Band.
Broadway Cinema, Letchworth, Sunday 9th June 2024 at 2pm
Hitchin Band - Wallace & Gromit - The Wrong Trousers



About the Band

Hitchin Band was formed in 1866, making it one of the oldest brass bands in the world.
We have three brass bands in our organisation:
- Hitchin Band
- Hitchin Community Brass
- Hitchin Youth Brass Band

Hitchin band are in the first Section (as of January 2023) of the London and Southern Counties Region.

We are a friendly Brass Band with an active concert and contesting schedule. We rehearse in Hitchin on Thursday evenings.
If you wish to contact us please get in touch with
Allan Hooker on 07947 007764.

Musical Director - Andrew Kershaw

Andrew Kershaw

Andrew studied tuba at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music. He is a freelance musician, having Played for many of the country’s top orchestras and on the West End. Andrew is the founder member of Queen Victoria’s Consort who perform Victorian repertoire on period brass instruments. He also enjoys the lighter side of music performance having toured the UK and USA with pop legends Elton John and The Who. Along with playing engagements Andrew has conducted Brass Bands for many years, including Waterbeach, Horsham and Bedford Bands. Andrew also teaches the tuba at Cambridge University (where he is a Visiting Fellow) and Brunel University.



Hitchin Band Calendar

Below is a list of all the events that Hitchin Band are currently booked
Hitchin Band On-line Tickets
Tickets can now bought online from https://hitchinband.yapsody.com

Sunday 28th April

All Bands Get Together

Oughton School. Mattocke Road, Hitchin, SG5 2NZ.

All Bands Get Together

2:00pm

Monday 6th May

Knebworth House. Knebworth Park, SG3 6PY

Knebworth Garden Show

To be confirmed

Sunday 2nd June

Shefford Fete

Shefford Memorial Hall, 10 Hitchin Road, Shefford, SG17 5JA

Shefford Fete

2:00pm

Sunday 9th June

Wallace & Gromit - The Wrong Trousers

Broadway Cinema, Letchworth

Wallace & Gromit - The Wrong Trousers
With Live Brass Band!

2:00pm

Saturday 27th July

St Mary’s Summer Concert

St Mary’s Church. Churchyard, Hitchin, SG5 1HP.

St Mary’s Summer Concert

7:30pm



Because - Celebrating 150 years 1866 to 2016

We are delighted to present Hitchin Band's CD. The CD was recorded to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the formation of the band. The CD is called "Because" after an arrangement of a song specially commissioned for Hitchin Band's Solo Horn player, Sarah Gibbons. The CD features a range of music that spans the years from 1866 up to date and shows off the talents of four of the band's soloists. It also includes an 8 page booklet with information and photographs about the history of the band.

Cinque Terre


The CD is available to buy for ten pounds at our events. Alternatively we can send one by post for an additional two pounds to cover P&P costs. For more details, please contact the Secretary, Allan Hooker on Tel 07947 007764 or send an email to secretary@hitchinband.co.uk.

Track Listing from the CD
Florentiner March
Because - Tenor Horn Soloist: Sarah Gibbons
Clog Dance
In Perfect Peace
It Don't Mean a Thing
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square - Trombone Soloist: Mike Thorn
Death or Glory
Cadillac of the Skies
How D'Ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning?
Soliloquy - Cornet Soloist: Dinah Birch
Merry Go Round
Song Setting - Mid all the Traffic
Puttin' on the Ritz
Concerto de Aranjuez - Flugel Horn Soloist: Alice Bailey
Light Cavalry Overture



History

Hitchin Band History

Why do we need a brass band in Hitchin in the 21st Century?

  • Hitchin Band was formed way back in the 1860's. This makes it one of the oldest brass bands in the world still performing, giving Hitchin an almost unique piece of 'Living Heritage', something to be very proud of.
  • Since its foundation the band has formed a cornerstone of music in the Hitchin area. We are trying to reconstruct the heritage of the band to find out more about the history of music in Hitchin.
  • The band has fostered young musicians to learn to play with the Junior Band, and giving them an opportunity to graduate to play alongside our more experienced members, some of whom have been with the band for over 40 years.
  • Hitchin Band is very proud of its strong links with charitable organisations including the Royal British Legion, The Round Table and St Mary's Parish Church Hitchin. In particular, our Christmas concerts are always very well supported.
  • Away from Hitchin, the band has carried the name of the town far and wide. We have represented the people of Hitchin at Regional and National competitions, at venues including Wembley and the Royal Albert Hall. The band has also featured on national television and radio broadcasts.
  • We have travelled abroad, taking our music with us and forging new friendships in Europe and we have offered hospitality to bands so that they can travel to the UK and visit Hitchin.
  • Even players that have moved away from the area still return on occasions to play with the band, such are the friendships that are made.
  • The Hitchin Band has been playing for over 150 years. All of the band's members, committee and supporters are dedicated to see that the band moves forward into the 21st century and beyond.
  • All this from a group of 'amateurs' who, with support from family and friends who willingly give up there time and resources to perpetuate the sound of the traditional brass band in Great Britain

    Read all about the history of the band in an article by Mike Thorn: The Origins of Hitchin Brass Band (March 2016)



    Vacancies

    Tenor Horn Vacancy
    We welcome auditions for a 1st or 2nd horn player to join us!


    We are a friendly and sociable band with a busy and varied concert programme throughout the year.
    We rehearse on Thursdays from 7:45pm to 9:45pm at Holwell Village Hall. We undertake a variety of concerts, contests and performances throughout the year some serious and some for fun!

    Are you interested or want further information? If so, contact Dinah Birch.
    Email: dinahb64@googlemail.com
    Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.



    The Band Membership

    President
    Richard Whitmore

    Vice Presidents
    Mr Eric Wythe C Eng MICE
    Mr Duncan Henderson
    Mr Gary Carney

    Musical Director
    Andrew Kershaw

    Solo Cornets
    Dinah Birch
    Hannah Landsman
    Becky Lund
    Cally Horobin


    Soprano Cornet
    David Quinlan

    Repiano Cornet
    Peter Moye

    2nd Cornet
    Andrew Grady
    Adam Illott

    3rd Cornet
    Bob Berwick
    Jess Drakes

    Flugel Horn
    Alice Bailey

    Horns
    Sarah Gibbons
    **Vacancy**
    Alison Chadwick

    1st Baritone
    Allan Hooker

    2nd Baritone
    Trina Pittwood

    Euphoniums
    Aqua Moye
    Keith Birch

    Trombones
    Paul Findlay
    John Kendrick
    Andeep Birring

    Eb Basses
    James Hill
    Ian Miles

    Bb Basses
    Rob Bush
    Mick Bawden

    Percussion
    Emily Prince
    Megan Eaglesfields
    Navaeh Tysome



    Hitchin Band Facebook

    Hitchin Band


    Hitchin Youth Brass Band

    Hitchin Youth Brass Band began in 2009 and is now firmly established, providing weekly rehearsals and regular public performance opportunities for young brass players. We also enjoy social events such as bowling. We welcome any young brass player from beginner upwards and have a team of volunteers on hand to give guidance at rehearsals. We also have a selection of instruments available to lend out. Hitchin Youth Brass Band aims to encourage young brass players of any age; developing brass band ensemble skills and a love of music-making. We have two annual awards which are presented to members who demonstrate particular progress and commitment.

    Rehearsals are held each Monday in term time (excluding Bank Holidays). 6.30pm-7.30pm at Oughton Primary School, Mattocke Road, Hitchin, SG5 2NZ. There is a charge of one pound per rehearsal. Please get in touch if you are interested in coming along. We are always happy to see newcomers!

    To get in touch, please contact Ian Miles on 07870 597313 or email youthband@hitchinband.co.uk



    Hitchin Community Brass

    Hitchin Community Brass are pleased to welcome Becky Lund as their new Musical Director, the band meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday's of the month between 7.30pm and 9.15pm at Wymondley School, Siccut Road, Little Wymondley, Hitchin, SG4 7HN.
    New players (particularly cornets/trumpets) are always welcome regardless of ability.
    We would love to see players from the Beds, Bucks & Herts areas. There is no age limit so whether you are a bit rusty, young or old, all are welcome.



    Contact

    We are here if you need to talk!
    Contacts

    Hitchin Band

    Band Secretary

    Allan Hooker

    07947 007764

    secretary@hitchinband.co.uk

    Community Band

    Contact

    Helen Moye

    hitchincommunitybrass@hitchinband.co.uk

    Hitchin Youth Brass Band

    Band Leader

    Ian Miles

    07870 597313

    youthband@hitchinband.co.uk



    Members Area

    This is the entrance to the Hitchin Band Members Area
    Hitchin Band Memebers Site
    Click here to enter the Members Area!



    Friends of Hitchin Band

    Please click the link to access the friends of Hitchin band page
    Friends of Hitchin Band
    Friends of Hitchin Band



    Hitchin Band Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

    Registered Charity 1188221
    The object of the CIO is the advancement of the art of music, in particular brass band music, in Hitchin and the surrounding area, for the public benefit by:

    (a) Offering training and coaching to musicians of all ages to enable them to play to a standard ready for public performance and to develop their musical abilities;
    (b) Performing public concerts of varied and informative programmes;
    (c) Collaborating with other groups and individuals to enhance the offering to audiences.

    For more details, about the band charitable status Click here