Circle of Sound

Circle of Sound is an independent, non-profit making, community music organisation. It is a loose association of musicians, artists and support workers who believe that people who have disabilities can, and should, play an active part in the broader community. Because we are committed to integration we also work with people who do not have disabilities.

Our aims are to encourage enjoyment in the creation and performance of music and to positively value, and include, the contributions of individuals and groups who may be marginalised due to disability, personal circumstances and cultural or economic status.

We specialise in making music using both high-tech ( samplers, soundbeams, drum loops etc. ) and low-tech approaches ( such as voice, percussion and resonance boards ). We like to marry the two when appropriate and possible.

Circle of Sound encourages the use of modern technology. Music sessions often are digitally recorded. Participants and funders can keep a permanent record of the project either in video, cassette or CD format.

This has proved an excellent way of sharing the project with friends and family as well as raising the esteem and confidence of participants. It also extends the project beyond 'hands on' time and makes a good reference point for future projects.

We have recently bought a multiple user Soundbeam, an ultra-sound operated music, composing and sound effects tool, which can be independently operated by people with severe disabilities and thus enable greater personal expression in both workshops and live performances.

As well as running participatory arts workshops and community events we also have been instrumental in the formation of Time Spanner Projects. This is a community arts association run by people with disabilities. They run a Samba band called Time Spanners, a Soundbeam performance group and a Writer's Network

Contact:
markt@circleofsound.co.uk
www.circleofsound.co.uk/

Hannington Silver Band

Traditional Brass Band, with junior section. Membership Free.

Contact:
Mrs S Wythe
Secretary
Littledene
Hannington
Tadley
Hampshire

Tel: 01635 298186

Hungerford Town Band

Drawn from local musicians of all ages the Hungerford Town Band continues to thrive and grow, offering its members the opportunity to enjoy and learn whilst providing entertainment at the many varied engagements undertaken throughout the year. New members are always welcome, and the Training Band gives new musicians the chance to experience the pleasure of playing in a brass band.

Contact:
Chris Sketchley
Secretary
5 Manor Place
Speen
Berkshire RG14 1RB

Tel: 01635 32976

info@hungerfordtownband.com
www.hungerfordtownband.com

Pangbourne & District Silver Band

We are a long established and friendly community brass band that meets every Wednesday evening in the Pangbourne Village Hall. The main band welcomes all players and we do not hold auditions so do please come along and join us. Alternatively if you are visiting the area do pop in for a blow.

In addition we have a recently established and growing youth band which meets before the main band from 6.30pm to 7.45pm during terms. For £1 a week we can provide tuition and instruments for young people who want to learn to play a brass instrument and have fun playing in a group with other young people.

If you want to come along please contact us just to check we are meeting that week

Contact:
Rosie Ellis
Band Chairman

Tel: 0118 974 5112
Rosie@theellisfamily.org
www.pangbourneband.org.uk

Phoenix Brass Band

Formed in May 1993 to promote the enjoyment of music by brass bands not only for players but also for the public at large, Phoenix Brass provides facilities for brass band players to participate in musical activities of many types, musical interest and entertainment for members of the public and encourage the appreciation of and participation in music as a whole. It meets twice each week (engagements permitting) at the Froxfield War Memorial Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm. Junior players practice & lessons on Saturday mornings from 10am.

Contact:
Mr Richard Fradgley
Secretary

Tel: 01488 685004
secretary@phoenixbrass.com
www.phoenixbrass.com

South Berks Concert Band

South Berks Concert Band is a community windband who are actively looking for new players. We would welcome enquiries from any brass or woodwind
players of grade 5 standard or above.

The band plays a wide variety of music ranging from classical to pop. The band meets at Englefield School, Englefield
(near Junction 12 of the M4) each Friday from 7.450-10pm

Contact:
Ray Meads
Chairman

Tel: 01635 866929
southberksconcertband@yahoo.com
www.southberksmusic.org.uk

Time Spanner Projects

Time Spanners are a twenty-one piece community music group from West Berkshire who play exciting percussion driven music from the thirteenth century to the present day.

They are a band with a difference in that thirteen of their musicians have a learning difficulty or physical disability.

They have been causing a stir in the South East of England over the last three years with regular performances at Festivals, Civic Events, Arts Centres, Libraries and Carnivals as well as appearances on radio and T.V.

Their musical style is varied taking in Samba, Socca, Medieval Music, Blues, Native American and North African music as well as Electronic Music, R N B and Dance.

Contact:
markt@circleofsound.co.uk
www.circleofsound.co.uk/spanner/index.html

Watership Brass

Watership Brass, the official Newbury Town Band, holds weekly rehearsals on a Tuesday evening at 7.45pm at Craven Dene, Newbury, Berks.

We have a current membership of 28 volunteer musicians ranging in age from 15 to 75 and we live up to our motto of 'Serving the Community Musically' by playing at charity concerts, weddings, school reunions and by leading the annual Remembrance Day parade.

We welcome new players enthusiastically, expecially bass players, and full details of our band can be found at www.watershipbrass.co.uk

Contact:
Miss Bronwen Davies
Band Secretary

Tel: 01635 552076
bronrdavies@hotmail.co.uk
www.watershipbrass.co.uk