Members of Gloucester Brass are preparing for the busiest few weeks of their performing year, with performances coming in increasing regularity throughout November and December.

The brass band, who have been performing together for over a quarter of a century, have two engagements in November then five in December, and excitement is building amongst the 30 members of the talented musical ensemble.

Roger Pearman, a founding member of the band, says his fellow members are relishing the opportunity to be involved in so many performances throughout the last two months of 2018.

He said: “We’re performing at the church in Upton St Leonards for their remembrance service on Sunday 11th November. Before that we’ll be playing at Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham which is something we’re all looking forward to. We’ll be playing a real mix of music including lots of pieces that people will know from films, television and theatrical productions.

“After our November performances our attention quickly turns to our December schedule which is extremely busy this year. We all love turning up and playing at rehearsals, but you get an extra thrill out of playing in front of an audience.”

Roger, who has been playing the tuba for Gloucester Brass for 26 years, is proud to see how his beloved band have progressed from the most humble of beginnings back in the early 1990s.

He continued: “We started off with just five or six extremely enthusiastic members and grew and grew until we had 40 or so people turning up for weekly rehearsals. We’re not quite at that number at the moment but there’s still a good 30 or so of us turning up for rehearsals every week.”

In January 2017 the band decided to introduce a beginners’ band specifically designed for people who had never picked up a brass instrument in their lives. This group welcomes both children and adults who want to see if playing in a brass band is for them.

Continued Roger: “Our doors are open and we’re always keen to hear from people who want to join us. New members don’t need to have played in a brass band before, our beginners’ band is full of people who have the enthusiasm and passion to improve their playing skills.

“Being part of Gloucester Brass has been a real thrill. I’ve made so many good friends over the years. I’ve got so many great memories from years gone by, 26 years is a very long time.

“Before moving to Gloucester in 1976 my wife and I played in a village band in Oxfordshire, in fact my father was the President of the band. Just over a decade ago he proposed the idea of organising a concert where both bands - Gloucester Brass and his band - would play. Everyone was keen so we organised it. It was a spectacular performance. We weren’t too sure how we’d sound because we hadn’t rehearsed together, but it was a great success. There was a big crowd watching us, it was one of those performances you never forget.”