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 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.
Back by popular demand following three sell out years!
Do you have the voice to sing Walking in the Air from The Snowman?
Applications are invited to audition for the solo vocal part in Hitchin Band's performances this Christmas. Our star singers will have the
opportunity to perform alongside a 25 piece Championship Section Brass Band to provide the musical accompaniment to the animated film The Snowman.
o St Mary's Church Hitchin: Saturday 4th December 2021 - 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm & 6:00 pm
o The Broadway Theatre, Letchworth Sunday 5th December 2021 - 10:00 & 11.30am
o St Paul's Church, Bedford: Sunday 12th December 2021 - 3.45pm & 5.15pm
Auditions are open to boys and girls aged 8-16 years old (boys require an "unbroken" treble voice) Parents/Guardians please register children
for auditions by 6pm, Sunday 10th October. Applications can be found below. Audition material and further details will be sent out by email
once registration is closed. An audio recording will need to be submitted by 6pm on Sunday 24th October. Shortlisted singers will be invited
to a live audition. Successful applicants will need to be available for daytime rehearsal (in Hitchin) on the 6th and 20th November plus
additional rehearsals if required.
Dinah Birch
Chairperson, Hitchin Band
dinahb64@googlemail.com
www.thesnowman.com
"The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs is published by Puffin Image copyright Snowman Enterprises Ltd
Click link below for appilcation form
Application Form - Bedford (Word)
Application Form - Bedford (PDF)
Application Form - Hitchin and Letchworth (Word)
Application Form - Hitchin and Letchworth (PDF)
Below is a list of all the events that Hitchin Band are currently booked
Tickets can now bought online from https://hitchinband.yapsody.com
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
4:15pm
The Snowman, St Mary's Church
Live band playing with the Snowman film
6:00pm
The Snowman, Broadway Cinema, Letchworth https://www.broadway-letchworth.com/cinema/whats-on/the-snowman
BROADWAY CINEMA & THEATRE Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD
Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, the Snowman featuring a live performance of Howard Blake’s musical score specially adapted for brass band and performed for you by the Hitchin Band. A perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive family friendly morning of music and film.
10:00am
The Snowman, Broadway Cinema, Letchworth https://www.broadway-letchworth.com/cinema/whats-on/the-snowman
BROADWAY CINEMA & THEATRE Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD
Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, the Snowman featuring a live performance of Howard Blake’s musical score specially adapted for brass band and performed for you by the Hitchin Band. A perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive family friendly morning of music and film.
11:30am
Ickleford Lights Switch On
The Green Arlesey Road, Ickleford, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 3TG
Join us to see the Ickleford Lights being turned on
6:00pm
The Snowman, St Paul's Church, Bedford
St Paul's Church, Bedford, St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ, UK
Live band playing with the Snowman film
3:45pm
The Snowman, St Paul's Church, Bedford
St Paul's Church, Bedford, St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ, UK
Live band playing with the Snowman film
5:15pm
The Rotary Club of Hitchin Christmas Carol Service
The Rotary Club of Hitchin will be holding their annual Christmas Carol Service in the St Mary's Hitchin 15th December at 8:00pm. This service is now a local tradition having been held for approximately fifty year
8:00pm
Hitchin Band Joint Christmas Concert
Fearnhill School, Icknield Way, Letchworth, SG6 4BA
Admittance is Free
2:00pm
Concert at Holy Saviour Church Hitchin
3:00pm
Holy Saviour Church Concert
St Saviour Church Radcliffe Road Hitchin SG5 1QG
3:00pm
Milton Keynes Music Festival
'The Venue' Fyfield Barrow, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes MK7 7WH
To be confirmed
London and Southern Counties Area Competition
Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ
Regional Competition of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain
To be confirmed
Joint Concert with the Foden's Band
Tickets £12, under 16 free
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
Owen Bywaters
Briony Arnold
Andeep Birring
Eb Basses
James Hill
Ian Miles
Bb Basses
Rob Bush
Percussion
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 (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 three pounds 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
