About The Band

History of the Band

Tenbury Teme Valley Band was formed 30 years ago, in 1991, by Roy and Mary Osborne. They had both been teaching instruments for many years-Roy teaching brass and Mary teaching clarinet and saxophone. Little did they realise how their discussions on forming a small group, where beginners could develop their musical skills, would blossom into the successful band it is today. A small number of children began meeting in Tenbury library every Saturday evening, calling themselves Tenbury Music Workshop. At first there were string, brass and woodwind players. The workshop bought their first uniform: green sweatshirts and green neck bows. Soon the first committee was formed to organise and promote the group.

 

The standard of playing reached a much higher standard and now there were adults joining. It was decided that the group should be renamed and Tenbury Teme Valley Band was born. The newly formed band outgrew the Tenbury library and rehearsals were held at Tenbury C of E Primary School. With the new name came the need for new uniforms (worn by the band today). This consisted of bright red jumpers, ties and black trousers. The logo on the jumpers and ties was designed by young members of the band. We have now added red fleeces for colder weather and polo shirts for the Summer.
It would be impossible to relate all the achievements of the band, but here are a few of the highlights of its twenty years. Tenbury Teme Valley band has performed at numerous local fetes and shows and has represented Tenbury Wells at the Wembley Conference centre, Ludlow Festival, Music for Youth Festival, Worcester Arts Exhibition and the World’s Largest Orchestra at Symphony Hall. The band has entered the prestigious Herefordshire Music Festival and has won its section twice. Charity fund-raising is a major priority of the band: it charges minimal fees for events such as village fetes and has raised thousands of pounds for numerous charities including Riding for the Disabled, Acorn’s Hospice, Tenbury Hospital League of Friends, the Green Fingers Charity, Mandy Davies Cancer Support, Tenbury First Responders, Shoot for the Stars, Tenbury Lights, Working Together, NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme), Equine Market Watch, Age UK, Café 27, 1st Tenbury Scouts, St Mary’s Church (Tenbury Wells) etc.  An annual Charity Summer Concert is organised each year.

The band has had frequent concert tours to Germany, the Isle of Wight and Paris. Infact the band prides itself on the warmth of its welcome and the friendships within the group. For instance 50 members and friends of the band were extremely excited to see We Will Rock You at the Hippodrome Theatre Birmingham at the end of July 2011, as part of the 20th Annniversary celebrations. Also the Band celebrated Christmas with a meal at the Fountain in Tenbury.

 

As a rural community band people of all ages, those with disabilities and from all ethnic groups are encouraged to reach their full musical potential. Free tuition can be offered in woodwind, brass and percussion. There is also an enthusiastic committee which helps to keep the band running smoothly.

 

From its very humble beginnings the band has gained a high reputation. Members pride themselves on their high standard of playing and their presentation (commented on by both members of the public and adjudicators).

Rehearsals are held at Burford Village Hall on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

 

Brass and woodwind instruments are available, as the band was lucky enough to receive fifty thousand pounds of lottery funding for their purchase. A variety of music is performed from the Band’s vast library. New pieces are constantly added to the repertoire.