NCBF Free Workshop Opportunity
Enhance Your Rehearsals with NCBF Mentorship

• Create a focus for your band
• Encourage players to extend their technique working on your current repertoire
• Gain feedback with ideas and insight from an external professional
• Offer your band something different!
• Discover and explore new repertoire
• Work on common band challenges e.g. ensemble/intonation/rhythm
• Free of charge!

CONTACT

NCBF mentors are enjoying reaching out to bands across the UK - here’s a selection of some of the groups we have worked with.

Sheffield University Big Band

Mentor: Iain Dixon

The Sheffield University Big Band (SUBB) is a semi-professional ensemble organised and led by current students of the University of Sheffield. The band performs a diverse repertoire encompassing jazz, funk, swing, Latin, and more, featuring compositions from artists like Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Gordon Goodwin, Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, and Michael Bublé.

SUBB is known for its vibrant performances and active engagement in the local music scene and wider Yorkshire area.

Strathclyde University Concert Band

Mentor: Bryan Allen

Local to Glasgow, the Strathclyde University Concert Band is composed of current students, staff, and alumni of the University, as well as students from other institutions. Established in 1990, the running of the band is performed entirely by current students, whilst being conducted under the watchful eye of Chris Mitchell. The band has been slowly accumulating in size since the COVID-19 pandemic, boasting a membership of over 80 this year.

KES Concert Band

Mentor: Simon Hogg

Oxford University Wind Orchestra

Mentor: Duncan Stubbs

Oxford University Wind Orchestra is the University of Oxford’s foremost wind ensemble. We explore a range of  repertoire both originally written for wind orchestras and pieces which have been re-arranged for our instrumentation, offering a fresh perspective on some classic works such as Finlandia. Our distinct texture of instruments enables us to delve into diverse musical styles, ranging from Birdland to
Chen Yi to Vaughan Williams. We enjoy spending time together as an orchestra, with lots of socials organised each term, and take the time to pay special attention to honing players’ musical abilities and communication skills. Looking ahead, we are excited by the prospect of our annual joint concert with Cambridge University Wind Orchestra this term and can’t wait to travel to Manchester to perform at the nationals of NCBF.

Durham University Concert Band

Mentor: Gerard Booth

Durham University Concert Band is a student-run non-auditioned ensemble open to all woodwind, brass and percussion players. We aim to create a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, while at the same time playing music to an excellent standard. We have played concerts in Elvet Methodist Church, Castle Great Hall and Durham Cathedral. The band covers a range of repertoire, from wind band classics and film music, to orchestral arrangements and jazz.

Southampton Grad Band

Mentor: Duncan Stubbs

Southampton Grad Band (SGB) is a group of friendly, sociable musicians who enjoy playing a variety of wind band music for the community in regular performances – from the classics to selections from musicals, films and even the latest chart albums.

The Band was formed in 2007 by a group of graduates from Southampton University and has grown considerably since then, welcoming members from any background and producing a polished sound while providing a supportive environment for experienced, improving and returning musicians.