Allegro Social Band

Allegro Social Band

Lively Music, Great Friendships!

"Have you always dreamed about playing your instrument in a band? Here at Allegro Social Band we believe that anybody can enjoy playing music together, whatever your experience or background. I hope you enjoy reading about us!"

Emma Clayton (Band Organiser)

About Allegro Social Band

Allegro Social Band is a very small and friendly music group who meets up once a fortnight to learn pieces of music together and socialise. All musicians aged 18 and over are welcome, no experience necessary!

We don't take ourselves seriously at all so the atmosphere is always chilled out and full of fun! The music we play is a bit of everything: Rock, Jazz, Latin and Classical being the main genres.

Allegro is very different from a lot of the bands in the area. I would like to say that we are completely unique! We don't have lots of concerts as our focus (though we certainly won't rule out the idea of doing something small in the future). Instead our aim is to provide musicians with somewhere to go to meet others and play good music together.

I would like to stress, Allegro Social Band is NOT a highbrow orchestra! We consist of a few musicians, some taking lessons and some self taught, who are learning the art of playing music in a group together. There is nothing at all to feel intimidated about! Experienced band members often end up taking a mentoring role with new musicians. I am also available most of the time to join in on a part to help anybody who feels uncomfortable. So come and join us, you will have a great time! :)

Band Structure

In case you didn't know, music when played in a group consists of people all playing different parts that, when put together, creates a rich and exciting sound! Allegro Social Band has 2 different sections: the Main Instrument Section and Freestyle Percussion Section.

Main Instrument Section

The Main Instrument Section is designed for musicians who can already read music reasonably well. The written music parts have varying difficulty so, whatever standard you begin with or reach, there should be something that you will enjoy playing! The parts are usually as follows:

Part 1: Usually the main melody or intricate accompanying runs. Would suit advanced musicians.

Part 2: Usually close harmony to the main melody and some background chords. Would suit intermediate musicians.

Part 3: Usually some background rhythms and a little harmony. Would suit beginner to intermediate musicians.

Part 4: Usually simple but effective background rhythms. Would suit beginner musicians.

Instruments Welcome

Allegro Social Band has written musical parts available for the following instruments:

Woodwind:

B Flat Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone

Brass:

Trumpet, B Flat Trombone, E Flat Horn, F Horn, C Trombone, Tuba

String:

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Piano/ Keyboard

(One part available only)

If you can't see your instrument in this list please still get in touch. There may be opportunities to use another written part in the same key or for playing by ear.

Our Current Band

Allegro Social Band currently consists of:

Main Instrument Section

1st Alto Saxophone Debbie

1st Clarinet Linda

2nd Soprano Saxophone Paul

3rd/4th Clarinet Myself (Emma Clayton)

Freestyle Percussion

Mark (Cahon Drum and various other instruments!)

Pieces of music we are currently practicing are:

Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin),  Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi), The Entertainer (Joplin), The James Bond Theme (Norman), Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen), Kalinka (Russian Folk Song), La Bamba (Latin Traditional), Dr Who Theme (Grainer) and I Get Around (Beach Boys)

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