Honiton Band is a traditional brass band, which has been active within the Honiton community since 1956, when it was re-established after a hiatus during the war years. It began its life as the 'Honiton Borough Band'.
We currently have 23 members, led by our enthusiastic and talented Musical Director, Arthur Williams. Our members encompass all age ranges and abilities - from young beginners, to experienced players of 70 plus - but the most important attributes our members possess are their enthusiasm and enjoyment of playing.
We enjoy a close relationship with Honiton Town Council, the local branch of the Royal British Legion and the communities which surround Honiton. As a result, we undertake a variety of engagements throughout the year, which include:
- fairs and fetes
- concerts
- civic/church services
- carol playing
- private functions
- songs of praise
Our musical repertoire is varied, from traditional brass band favourites to light classical, jazz and modern pop and show tunes. Our primary aim is to play music which our audiences will enjoy and which cater for a wide range of tastes.
We enjoy an excellent rehearsal venue (RBL Club Honiton) and new members are always welcome, with the main requirement being enthusiasm and a desire to participate. We have facilities for teaching those who are both interested in learning to play a brass instrument and prepared to join the band. Our learners’ and improvers’ class is under the direction of our principal Euphonium player, Geoff Dibsdall. We have several vacancies within our permanent positions and would be very pleased to hear from more experienced players. Anyone wishing to play with the band is welcome to come along and see us on a rehearsal evening (Wednesdays), or alternatively, contact our MD .
Although Honiton Band does not currently contest, we are always looking for ways to improve our performance and challenge our members. We are a member of the South West Brass Band Association and many of our members take part in SWBBA workshops. In January 2010 we ran a workshop of our own with Philip Harper, which was very successful and enjoyed by 47 local musicians. We have also been fortunate in being involved with the Honiton Twinning Association and as a result, have travelled to both France and more recently, to Honiton’s twin town of Gronau in Germany.
