Popular East Devon brass band strikes up ninth anniversary
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
A thriving community music group in East Devon is marking its ninth anniversary, celebrating nearly a decade of bringing people together through a shared love of brass music.
The East Devon Daytime Brass Band, founded and led by musical director Trevor Jones, has grown steadily since its launch and now boasts a strong and welcoming membership drawn from across the local area.
The group has built a reputation not only for its performances but also for its inclusive approach. It actively encourages new members, particularly those who may have played an instrument in the past and are keen to return.
A spokesperson for the band said: “We actively encourage lapsed players - perhaps those who played a brass instrument in their youth - to return and enjoy the proven social and health benefits of playing in a musical group.
“Anyone who thinks it is too late to learn may be inspired to know that several of our players only started on reaching retirement, with one still playing into his 80s.”
Musicians of all backgrounds are welcome, including complete beginners interested in learning a brass instrument for the first time. A limited number of instruments are available to loan, helping make the group accessible to those starting out.
Rehearsals take place every Wednesday morning at the Sidmouth Rugby Football Club pavilion in Sidford, offering a relaxed and friendly setting for players to develop their skills.
The band performs regularly at venues across East Devon, including care homes, fêtes, garden parties, schools, churches and retail spaces, helping to bring live music into the heart of the community.
Anyone interested in joining or booking the band for an event can find further details online or by contacting the group directly.
As it celebrates its ninth birthday, the band is looking ahead to another busy year of performances - continuing to prove that it is never too late to pick up an instrument and be part of a musical community.
( Photo: EDDB 📸 )