IN A seasonal treat set to delight fans of a traditional feel-good Christmas, the Frome Town Band, Frome’s very own community brass band, is planning a truly joyful community event, and everyone is invited.
This much-loved community band, with a history going back well over 100 years and comprising of players aged from seven to over 80, is busy rehearsing for its live-scored accompanied soundtrack of the classic, animated Raymond Briggs film The Snowman, at the Merlin Theatre on Saturday 17th December.
A spokesperson said, “Audiences will be delighted in the first half of the show by renditions of traditional Christmas songs and tunes, with a chance to grab mulled wine and mince pies. With something for everyone in the family, there is even a rumour that Santa might call in before audiences take their seats for the second act where the award-winning film will be shown on the big screen as the band showcase their talents playing live, a moving, soaring soundtrack.”
Frome Town Band has been a feature of many events in the town since its earliest incarnation as long ago as the Selwood Brass Band in the 1870s. These days the tradition continue as the band meets every Wednesday evening at Frome College and is seeking new members.
Chair Kristie Jones said, “We believe that music should be accessible to everyone and that the band is part of what makes Frome special. You’ll have seen us busking in the street and outside supermarkets at Christmas; we’re there at key times in the life of Frome, from switching on the Christmas lights, Remembrance Day parades, busking in the park in all weathers and taking music out to the care homes where we’ve played to the oldest and frailest members of our community.”
All ages and all levels are welcome to enquire about membership. With the youngest in mind, the band is connected to a number of local schools, giving hundreds of children the chance to take the first steps in learning a brass instrument, at no cost. Any schools not currently partnered with the group are encouraged to get in touch.
“Interestingly, family groups often join the band together, with children, dads, mums and grandparents each having their own instrument,” said a spokesperson for the group. “Parents come to support their kids and stay to learn themselves. Players are sometimes lost when they go to university or start jobs in other towns but are welcomed back when they come home and the band prides itself on giving a special welcome to experienced players, even if they’re a bit rusty.
“Joining Frome Town Band offers an extremely low-cost way to learn to play, as all members can borrow an instrument, request tuition and enjoy access to all the sheet music they need.
“We all know that music is good for the brain and the heart (and brass playing is good for the lungs too), so as well as being part of a group creating something special together, the whole town is invited to step up to the Merlin and join The Snowman in a huge celebration – and grab the chance to take part themselves!”
The Snowman, with Frome Town Band live, will take place on Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm at the Merlin Theatre. Tickets starting at £7.50 are available from www.merlintheatre.co.uk
To ask about joining the band yourself visit the Frome Town Band website, www.frometownband.com
