Hitchin Band

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 Band

Hitchin band were promoted to the Championship Section of the London and Southern Counties Region from January 2019 having come from the 3rd section just a few years ago.

We are a friendly Brass Band with an active concert and contesting schedule. We rehearse in Hitchin on Monday and Thursday evenings.
If you wish to contact us please get in touch with
Mike Thorn on 07789 184363.

Musical Director

Nicholas Garman Joined Hitchin Band as Musical Director in May 2019.

https://hitchinband.yapsody.com Nicholas began playing the cornet when he was 6 years old with the Bristol Easton Salvation Army Young People’s Band. Nicholas held the position of Music Scholar at Bristol Cathedral School and whilst a pupil there joined the Sun Life Band under Dr. Roy Newsome. After gaining a BA (Hons) degree from Middlesex University (tutored by Dr. Stephen Cobb), Nicholas held positions as principal trumpet of North London Philharmonic and Oak Hill Orchestra as well as joining First City Brass on repiano. He has played with many of the country’s finest bands including Cory and Grimethorpe.
His brass band honours include Swedish National Brass Champion, Butlins Mineworkers Open Champion, Midland Area Champion and London and Southern Counties Area Champion.
Nicholas is currently Secretary of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) and examiner for the London College of Music.

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

Saturday 9th May

Richard Marshall in Concert with Hitchin Band

St Mary's Church Hitchin SG5 1DW

Richard Marshall is currently the Principal Cornet of the world famous Black Dyke Band and has been described as "the most outstanding cornet player this country has ever produced" Advance booking essential Admission £15 adults / £8 children under 16 Advance tickets £12 adults/ £6 children under 16 via hitchinband.yapsody.com or from Hitchin Information 01462 453335

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, Mike Thorn on Tel 07789 184363 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

    Hitchin Band require a horn player, 2nd or 3rd and also top quality percussion players to join our band.

    Please contact bandmaster Dinah Birch for more information - 07941972894 or dinahb64@googlemail.com

    Rehearsal
    We are a friendly and sociable band with a busy and varied concert programme throughout the year.
    We rehearse on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:45pm to 9:45pm at Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way, Hitchin. 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 us through our band secretary.
    Email: secretary@hitchinband.co.uk or Call Mike Thorn on Tel 07789 184363

    The Band Membership

    President
    Richard Whitmore

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

    Musical Director
    Nicholas Garman

    Solo Cornets
    Dinah Birch
    James Barker
    Hannah Landsman
    Andrew Philpot
    Lucy Want

    Soprano Cornet
    Dave Quinlan

    Repiano Cornet
    Peter Moye

    2nd Cornet
    Andrew Grady
    Adam Illott

    3rd Cornet
    Bob Berwick
    Charlotte Moye

    Flugel Horn
    Sarah Findon

    Horns
    Sarah Gibbons
    Vacancy
    Sam Huckle

    1st Baritone
    Allan Hooker

    2nd Baritone
    Trina Pittwood

    Euphoniums
    Keith Birch
    Robert Moye

    Trombones
    Mike Thorn
    Owen Bywaters
    Andeep Birring

    Eb Basses
    James Hill
    Ian Miles

    Bb Basses
    Rob Bush
    Chris Ankers
    Percussion
    Vacancies

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    Hitchin Youth Band

    Hitchin Youth 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 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 (excluding bank holidays), 6.30-7.30pm at Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way, Hitchin SG5 1XL. 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!

    Please use the contact numbers below to get in touch

    Hitchin Community Brass

    Hitchin Community Brass had their first rehearsal in February2017. The idea was to offer a playing opportunity for brass players who no longer play with a regular band or are still learning and would like to gain some ensemble experience. Initially rehearsals were on the second Wednesday of the month with the band being taken by Hannah Landsman. At the first rehearsal there were more than 20 players in attendance with varying degrees of ability, some of whom had not played for more than 20 years and rehearsals still attract an average of 20 or more players.

    Now at the beginning of it’s 2nd year rehearsals have been increased to twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday’s of the month between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the bandroom at Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way, Hitchin. 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. There will be an opportunity to pick music you would like to play from the extensive music library of Hitchin Band.

    A small donation of £1.50 per session would be welcome. For more information or to register an interest please contact us using the contact details below

    Contact

    We are here if you need to talk!
    Contacts

    Hitchin Band

    Band Secretary

    Mike Thorn

    07789 184363

    secretary@hitchinband.co.uk

    Community Band

    Contact

    Allan Hooker

    07947 007764

    hitchincommunitybrass@gmail.com

    Youth Band

    Band Leader

    Alice Bailey

    01462 423534

    youthband@hitchinband.co.uk

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