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.
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.
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.
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
Why do we need a brass band in Hitchin in the 21st Century?
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)
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
Greg Bush
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
Alison Chadwick
Rob Pittwood
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
Nevaeh Tysome
Below are a few random thumbnails, for the full gallery please click the folliwing link
Click for the Gallery
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 are pleased to welcome Martyn France 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.
This is the entrance to the Hitchin Band Members Area
Click here to enter the Members Area!
Please click the link to access the friends of Hitchin band page
Friends of Hitchin Band
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
