Testimonials

Eleanor and I have been members of the band for around a year now and have enjoyed our time with the band.

In my case, learning a new instrument relatively late in life has been a challenge and I really appreciate the loan of an instrument, tuition and the chance to join in the Beginners Band each week. It's great to be part of a diverse group of people practising each week and, in particular to see our latest intake of new young players who are progressing towards their first performance next month.

For my daughter Eleanor, playing trombone in the training band helps supplement her school music lessons and to prepare her for progressing through her grades. As well as developing musical skills, participating in the bands helps build and strengthen friendships.

I should also mention that the visit that you and other band members made to Eleanor's previous school in Amotherby just as we were coming out of lockdown, made a big impression and really helped to give her new impetus to get back on track with playing the trombone.

- Patrick

Our 2 daughters joined the beginners band following an introduction day at school attended by some of the senior band members. We are so grateful to have such a fabulous initiative locally that provides not only an opportunity to learn an instrument but also to play together as a group, and feel very lucky that this is available to us without cost - what a brilliant service to the local community. It's clear that all involved with running the band are extremely dedicated, and that a huge amount of their time is put into teaching members and fundraising.

- Helen

Although a bit late in life to be starting to learn a new musical instrument (65+) I found the Swinton and District Excelsior Band to be extremely welcoming and gave me the opportunity to do something I might otherwise not have done. They provided me with an instrument, guidance and instruction and all the leaders and teachers have been very patient, encouraging and motivating. It's great to be part of the training band and enjoy the social events of the whole band and as well as being good for my well-being I hope and like to think that when we perform it gives some benefit back to the community.

- David

The opportunity that Swinton and District Excelsior Band offer to local adults and children alike is absolutely amazing, from free instrument loan to free lessons, everyone works so hard and gives up so much of their time for the Beginners and Training Band, enabling us to take part in local carolling at Christmas and our first ever Concert this year, I think looking at the number of members we have it shows the band is going from strength to strength and we couldn't do any of it without the invaluable support that's given to us

- Lisa

Dear Steve, Tracey and Catherine

I just wanted to send a note to thank you all for your hard work with the training band. Since joining, having no musical experience previously, Charlotte, Thomas and James are all making brilliant progress and really enjoying their Friday night practices. They are all looking forward to our Christmas performances. They were so inspired that over October half term they held a concert for their Grandma and Grandad and their friends.! We've all made some lovely new friends since joining, there is a real sense of family in the training band, and it's wonderful to have members of the main band come along to play with us.

Thanks again for all your hard work and patience with us all.

- Jayne - Mum to 3 in the training band

“It's not just the kids. When I retired, I was looking for a new challenge. I had never played a brass instrument before but that was ok because the support and encouragement and enthusiasm was there for me. I was blown away (sorry…)

- Andrew T

Louis and Freddy through living at some distance have and are experiencing a welcoming friendly profoundly enriching environment, which combined with quality musical training., underpinned by time and effort put in by the stolwart members of Swinton Band. Bravo and many thanks.

- Fieldhouse Family

Swinton band have gone above and beyond in supporting and teaching my daughter to play a musical instrument they are all volunteers and give their upmost effort and time to teach and support all the players in the training band. It's all for free and where can you say you get that as things are at the moment especially with that level of care and knowledge.

- Hayley

I'd just like to say the service the band provides is fantastic. The voluntary training, tuition and equipment hire you provide is welcome as you don't get much for "free" nowadays, plus Amy is enjoying learning a new skill and meeting and mixing with a good wide range of people across all ages and abilities, ensuring that there is a good team spirit gained in the band.  You all obviously are passionate about the band as you are all patient with teaching the group and go at each individual's own pace and put a lot of thought and effort in to the band as a whole by organising concerts, fundraisers and socials. Amy loves coming to both rehearsals and is happy to play in concerts which can be quite daunting but knowing the whole band as a team is there too makes it so worthwhile and successful.

- Donna (Amy’s Mum)