Worksop Miners Welfare Band

Jane Durrant -  Musical Director

Our Musical Director picked up the baton to lead the band in 2003. Having joined the band to play the trombone, Jane ‘volunteered’ to become MD following the tragic loss of John Flatman in April of that year.

In her ‘other life’ Jane is a primary school teacher, and music co-ordinator, who specialised in music at Teacher Training College, gaining her B.Ed at Nene College, Northampton. Her musical career began at the age of six playing the recorder and continuing through junior school.

In secondary school, Jane took up the oboe becoming a member of the school orchestra and choir. Jane toured Germany on two occasions, having joined the Chantry Concert Band and Young Sinfonia Orchestra. 

Later, Jane became principal oboe with Rotherham Youth Orchestra playing under the direction of Douglas Coombes, and taking part in Music for Youth at the Royal Festival Hall, under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle.

Charitable Status

The Charity Commission approved the Governing Document and Constitution in 1998. The members of the Executive Committee are the Charity Trustees, there being provision for twelve members. The Chairman of the Executive Committee is therefore Chairman of the Trustees. All Trustees are elected annually at the AGM.

The Secretary is the named correspondent with the Charity Commission.

The objects of the Charity are as follows:

'to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of brass band music in all aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other ways as the band through its executive committee shall from time to time determine'

The Executive Committee meets approximately once every three months or more frequently as the need arises, to review, training, engagements, spending priorities, recruitment and any other issues requiring consideration.

The Annual General Meeting is held during April or May each year, with the benefit of an Annual Report prepared by the Secretary and Treasurer.

Members pay a modest annual subscription, geared to making membership accessible to the financially challenged.

The Executive Committee comprises the following:

Chairman
Secretary 
Treasurer
Musical Director
Deputy Musical Director
Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Publicity Officer
Assistant Publicity Officer
+ three other members

Training

Our Aim

Our intention is to provide the opportunity for novice players to benefit from coaching and ensemble practice, in order to develop the skills required to make a positive contribution to the senior band.

It has to be stressed that this is not, and should not be seen as the only practice opportunity. It is supplementary to the training and practice done elsewhere, without which little progress can be achieved.

What we do is supplementary to private or peripatetic tuition, and is intended to reinforce that tuition and provide additional support.

What the Band can do:

The band will provide a serviceable instrument, music stand and music. Tutor books and written exercises are also available.

Provision of ensemble practise, acquiring the necessary discipline, listening skills and co-ordination. Learning by observation, seeing what other musicians are doing and what other instruments sound like.

Guidance from experienced players may be available in small groups, or as an ensemble.

The Youth Band has previously been entered for the Worksop Music & Drama Festival, and have been given the opportunity to perform at some of our concerts.

What the student can do:

From the student we need commitment, keeping us informed about their progress so that we can provide targeted support.

Instruments are expensive and we ask all members to take good care of them, reporting to us any faults as soon as they occur.

There is no substitute for regular practice and professional tuition elsewhere. In this connection we would encourage students to study for their Music Grades, and become involved with the 11th Session Music Workshops at the Hartland School.

Progression:

Before accepting players into the senior band, the Musical Director needs to be assured that the individual is at a reasonable standard, where he/she will not be overawed or upset by not being able to cope.

It is also important that the standard of the senior band is preserved.

Evidence of having achieved Associated Board/Guildhall School of Music Grades up to Grade Three/Four will give the student confidence and the ability to contribute to the senior band. We also devise simple tests e.g. playing a selection of hymn tunes competently to arrive at this conclusion.

The placing of players within the senior band is at the total discretion of the Musical Director, following advice from other senior band members involved in training.

Training Environment:

The band does not tolerate racism, sexism or any inappropriate language or behaviour at any time. We aim to provide an atmosphere where young people can enjoy making music in a safe and pleasant environment.


Questions

Please direct any questions you might have to the Band Secretary in the first instance.