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
Allan Hooker on 07947 007764.
Nicholas Garman Joined Hitchin Band as Musical Director in May 2019.
Below is a list of all the events that Hitchin Band are currently booked
Dunstable Bandstand
76 High St N, Dunstable LU6 1NF
Afternoon of music in the park
2:45pm
The Snowman, St Mary's Church
Live band playing with the Snowman film
3:30pm
The Snowman, St Mary's Church
Live band playing with the Snowman film
4:45pm
The Snowman, St Mary's Church
Live band playing with the Snowman film
6:00pm
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)
Hitchin Band require a Solo cornet, Horn and also top quality percussion players to join our band.
Please contact bandmaster Dinah Birch for more information - 07941972894 or dinahb64@googlemail.com
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 Allan Hooker on Tel 07947 007764
President
Richard Whitmore
Vice Presidents
Mr Eric Wythe C Eng MICE
Mr Jack Smith
Mr Duncan Henderson
Mr Gary Carney
Musical Director
Nicholas Garman
Solo Cornets
Dinah Birch
James Barker
Hannah Landsman
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
Andrew Philpot
Vacancy
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
Below are a few random thumbnails, for the full gallery please click the folliwing link
Click for the Gallery
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 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 £3 per session would be welcome.
For more information or to register an interest please contact us using the contact details below
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
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
