Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band

Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band was founded in 1994 by Ray Thompson and Glen Hogg. Upon the retirement of Ray as conductor in 2020, former Military Musician Andrew Taylor took up the baton to further the musical journey of the Playhouse Band. Andy continues to challenge and develop the band drawing upon past classics and the works of modern composers.

The Band takes its name from its adopted home, the Alnwick Playhouse. The Band is very fortunate to have such an excellent venue as its base and is grateful for the continuous support it receives from the management, staff and trustees of the Playhouse.

Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band is a not-for-profit group committed to spreading musical opportunities across Northumberland and beyond. All proceeds raised from concerts and membership fees are used for the purchase of music, instruments and equipment, and the rental of rehearsal space.

The Concert Band performs regularly at the Alnwick Playhouse and other venues in the northern area including Beamish Museum and the Alnwick Music Festival. We have a long-standing commitments to local shows and to the ‘switch-on’ ceremony of Alnwick Christmas Lights.

Band membership usually numbers about forty with an age range of 13 to 80+. Members come from throughout Northumberland with some travelling considerable distances to play together. None receive remuneration for playing in the Band but do so because they enjoy music making with likeminded people in a friendly environment.

We would be delighted to hear from any potential members, especially brass instrumentalists, who are Grade 4 or above and may be interested in joining us. Prospective members would be invited to a three-week trial period playing with the band during rehearsals which are held on stage at the Playhouse on Monday evenings 7.30-9.30pm during school term time from 7.30 until 9.30pm.

Players of Grade 2 to 4 may wish to take the opportunity to contact our band for developing players – Prelude Concert Band.

Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band is available for bookings of all types including concerts, community events and private functions.

Further information can be found on:

Instagram: @apconcertband Facebook: apconcertband and the band website www.apcb.co.uk

Interested? Please contact the secretary in the first instance, email: contact.apcb@gmail.com