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About ... Arrow Valley Brass
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Arrow Valley Brass is based in Inkberrow, Worcestershire having moved there about 2 years ago from our previous home in Alcester.
Dedicated to the enjoyment of music, we have members of all ages from 5 to much much older.
During the summer months the band plays many outdoor events such as "Music In The Park" in Bromsgrove and Stratford, as well as performing at local village fetes.
Performances have also been given for the National Life Saving Association at the NEC in Birmingham and at The Serpentine in Hyde Park.
The band has also performed at Worcester County Cricket club and the ICC.
Undertaking foreign tours has also proved an enjoyable experience for audiences and the band itself.
Indoor events include concerts for Rotary Clubs, supporting reputable and deserving charities.
Indeed, the band's constitution requires the band to perform at least twice a year for charity free of charge.
The band started its life in 1977 as Alcester Victoria Youth Band with a small group of children in Alcester town hall.
Mr. David Stanley who founded the band still leads it to this day, giving unbroken service as musical director.
As the band's popularity grew and more people joined, the age and ability gap grew, so it was decided to create two groups, the "Main" band and the "B" band.
The latter continues to attempt to develop and improve young (and not so young) players.
In 1990 the name was changed to Arrow Valley Brass to avoid confusion with another local band.
The main band performs quite a few concerts during the year up to date details of which you can find on the engagements page.
The band plays either inside or outdoors depending on the occasion.
In the contest field, the band originally started in the 4th Section and at present is placed in the 2nd section.
During our period in the 4th section the band qualified in the area contests in 1989 and 1990 to compete in the National Finals in Central Hall Westminster.
In the 3rd Section, the band has qualified for the National Finals in 2002 (Torquay) and 2005 (Harrogate) where it came 7th and 2nd respectively.
Shortly after this the band has been promoted to the 2nd section and is currently contesting at this level.
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Our conductor and the team
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David Stanley
Dave started the band almost 30 years ago as a Youth Band, which became Arrow Valley Brass in 1990.
He has remained Musical Director for the whole of the band’s life.
He was for 10 years Chairman of the British Federation of Brass Bands and is now its Vice-President.
As Chairman, he oversaw the gaining of Arts Council Funding and the establishment of a National Office.
In 2003 , he was awarded a Diploma of Honour by the Worshipful Company of Musicians.
He also conducted the Alcester Victoria silver Band for eight years, the Bretforton Silver Band for eighteen and has returned to conduct his first band,
Blockley, where he played trombone and euphonium as a boy.
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Andy Culshaw
The band has a Professional Advisor in Andy Culshaw.
Andy and Dave are good friends and Andy’s involvement with the band goes back many years.
Andy brings great experience as a player and conductor at the highest levels and he undertakes much of the major contest work.
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Sarah Dalby & Amy Gray
Sarah and Amy who also play in the main band have picked up the gauntlet and has taken control of the junior band. They have a small
group of young players who meet once a week after school to learn and enjoy making music together.
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Practice sessions for the main band are held on Sunday morning from 10:00am to 12:30pm at The Village Hall,
Inkberrow, Worcestershire and Tuesdays from 8:00pm to 9:45pm . Travelling players are always welcome.
The training band caters for our younger and more inexperienced members and is a great place to build
confidence in your playing skills. This is based at Birchensale Middle School.
Please email for more information.
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Subscriptions and expenses
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The band has members from a wide area, some travelling from Worcester, Kidderminster and South Birmingham.
It is a subscriptions band with members currently paying approx £5.84 per month (£70 per annum).
All services to the band are given free and no expenses are paid to members.
Expenses are offered to any outside player who is asked to deputise for a band member who cannot attend an engagement.
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