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derwent valley wind band

About Derwent Valley Wind Band

Click here to hear the Band recorded live at
Derby Guildhall
(1.2Mb MP3)

David Curtiss The Derwent Valley Wind Band under the musical direction of David Curtiss provides an informal but productive opportunity for adults and young people to play wind instruments.

There are weekly practices and around a dozen concerts each year. There are also occasional concert tours abroad.
The Band practises on Monday evenings at 6:45 in the Concert Hall at Ecclesbourne School, Duffield during school term time. Take a look at the events page for the first rehearsal dates for each new term.

There is a training band for those who want to build their confidence before joining the main band. It meets in the Music Block at Ecclesbourne School on Mondays from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. and is suitable for those who have been playing for about a year and are grade 1-3 standard, but there are no auditions. The training band played in the 2005 Derby Arts Festival and the Music Marathon in Duffield this year. They have also played at Kedleston Hall, the Vicarage Garden Party in Duffield and at Duffield Carnival.

Subscriptions are £12 a term for the main band or £6 a term for the training band, but come along for a few rehearsals without obligation.
The band has a small number of brass instruments available for hire -- beginners or late returners to the pleasure of ensemble playing may rent a playable if slightly geometrically challenged euphonium, flugel horn or tuba for a very modest fee.

The Band is a Registered Charity (No. 700574)

All Ages and Abilities Welcome
The youngest member of the band was born at around the time the oldest member retired. Playing in a band is an excellent way for all members of a family to join in an activity on an equal footing. Some parents have decided to take up an instrument for the first time so as to share an interest with their children. It certainly beats providing the normal parent's taxi service.
The band offers a change from the school teaching environment for younger players. The enthusiasm and light heartedness of the youngsters keeps the adults from taking themselves too seriously. The advice and example of professional musicians has been a great help to the rest of the band and has led to a steady improvement in the performance and repertoire of the band.