Brand new community brass band in South Yorkshire Saturday 30th May saw the official launch of Rother Vale Community Band. This is the first new brass band in the area for many years and offers great opportunities for anyone who would like to learn to play a brass instrument and play in a brass band. The guest of honour at the launch, at Thurcroft Parish Church, was John Swift who has been supporting local initiatives for children and young people for many years. John spoke with enthusiasm about how hearing young people play music gave him such pleasure. In mid April 2015 a group of children, parents and friends decided to form a brass band. They had no instruments, no premises and no music. What they did have was purpose and determination to succeed. On May 16 2015 Rother Vale Community Band held its first practice. Every player who needed an instrument had one and the pride and joy in each player’s face was there for all to see. This would not have been possible without the support of Brass Bands England who were so helpful in providing advice, guidance and contacts who could help the band along the way. The band are also grateful to Thurcroft Parish Church for providing a practice venue and to Simon Mansfield and the Rotherham Music Service who have supported us magnificently. The band was fortunate to secure the services of Ken Vernon as its first Musical Director. Ken has been involved with the brass band movement for over 50 years, as a player of high regard in his early playing career and then as Musical Director. The amount of support the band have received from many people has been overwhelming. We already have concerts in the pipeline and would love to hear from anyone who is looking to book a brass band for their event or function. The band is open to anyone who would like to learn to play a brass instrument. Instruments and tuition are provided free making the band accessible to anyone of any age. The band provides an opportunity to take part in a great musical experience with a friendly group. Rehearsals are from 9.30 until 11.00 in Thurcroft Parish Church. If you are interested in joining the band or booking us to play, please contact us on 07759 496810 or by email to rothervalecommunityband@gmail.com More information is available on the band’s webpage rothervalecommunityband.com