Hitchin Youth Band began in 2009 and is now firmly established, providing weekly rehearsals and
regular public performance opportunities for young brass players. It is run by Hitchin Band, who have
been playing in our town for over 150 years. Hitchin band is a registered charity, and so Hitchin Youth
Brass Band is run as a not-for-profit club charging a nominal £1 a week for attendance.
Our Aims
We give local youngsters the opportunity to develop their brass playing skills and enjoy the experience
of playing together. We welcome all young brass players from beginners upwards and have a selection
of instruments available to lend out. Alongside any private tuition our members may receive we hope
to develop confidence and enjoyment in ensemble playing. We perform regularly in public such as
local care homes, festivals, Hitchin market square and evening concerts. We also hold regular social
events. On joining the band please ensure you complete a Membership Form and keep us updated of
any changes to your details.
The Team of Volunteers
The band is made up of players of varying abilities. With guidance from our team of volunteers we try
to support and encourage every member, whatever their level of skill.
Hitchin Youth Brass Band is led by Julia Findon who has been a peripatetic brass teacher for over 40
years, working in both primary and secondary schools and also teaching privately. She is also an
accomplished player who has worked in theatre, function bands and Big Bands. She is joined by a
committed team of helpers who have a passion for playing in a brass band and want to share their joy
and knowledge with others.
Welfare Issues
Hitchin Youth Band is a member of Brass Bands England. This organisation enables us to coordinate
DBS (Disclosure Barring Checks) procedures for adults who are regularly involved with the Youth Band.
We do, or course, welcome parents to stay at rehearsals with their child if they wish to do so.
We do have first aiders amongst our volunteers.
If you have any concerns regarding Child Protection at any time, please do not hesitate to speak to our
Welfare/Safeguarding Officer – Dinah Birch.
Rehearsals
Players are given their own folder to keep music in for practice at home. Alongside the main band
ensemble, it may be appropriate for some members to receive some smaller group or even individual guidance during part of a rehearsal. This is often useful in order to rehearse a part or section, or if a
member is a beginner. We use the adjoining rooms to accommodate this.
During rehearsals members are responsible for setting up their own equipment and are expected to
give their best effort and full attention to the band leader. If your child is unable to attend a rehearsal,
please let us know via email (see below).
Rehearsal times: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Mondays (excluding Bank Holidays) term time only
Rehearsal venue: Oughton School, Mattocke Road, Hitchin, Herts SG5 2NZ
Subscriptions
A weekly subscription charge of £1 is collected at each rehearsal. This helps to cover the costs of hall
hire, music, instruments, insurance, Brass Bands England membership etc.
Free Instrument Loan
Whist some of our members do have their own instruments or are using an instrument from school or
the local music service, many take advantage of our free instrument loans. We have a range of
instruments available to loan, at no cost to members. We ask only that the instrument is kept clean, and
looked after and that the band member makes a solid commitment to attend rehearsals and
engagements regularly. We are very happy for youngsters to use our instruments at school or with
other groups. If the instrument does get damaged (it happens!) please let us know as soon as possible.
Uniform
We have our own polo shirts which we wear for performances – these are currently being redesigned,
we’ll keep you updated on their progress.
Spreading the Word!
Please help us to spread the word about our band. We are always keen to welcome new members.
Leaving the band
It is always sad when members leave the band, but these things happen. Should a member decide to
leave we require any loaned-out instruments and music to be returned clean and in working order.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask us
Happy Banding!
Conductor: Julia Findon
Coordinators: Ian and Jane Miles 07870 597313
Welfare Officer: Dinah Birch 07941 972894
Treasurer: Keith Birch
Email: youthband@hitchinband.co.uk