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The Lions Beginner Band is the start of the Lions Youth organisations academy. The team of musical directors, Hayley Scott, Andrew Felton and Chris Thompson (all of whom are former playing members of the organisation), take complete beginners who are not able to read music and help them to develop their playing until they are ready to step up the ladder into the Lions Junior Band.
Players in the band range from the age of 6 to 11 years old and rehearsals are held in a variety of ways, all designed to help each player get the required amount of individual attention. Some weeks see the band have a full practice; other weeks see ‘sectional’ rehearsals; and sometimes the instruments are ‘forgotten’ about for a week and the ‘LBB Music Challenge’ is held, a music quiz which sees the band split into teams, which helps further their knowledge of music theory and also helps the players to bond. Rehearsals are always a great deal of fun with a lot of hard work going in, and no small amount of laughter involved too!
Since Hayley, Andrew and Chris were appointed in 2005 they have introduced various new initiatives to the band on and off the concert stage too. October 2005 saw the band take part in their first ever workshop, with a concert to conclude the days events. This has been repeated every year since and is always something the band enjoy doing,
Rehearsals take place at Sandbach Boys School, on Tuesday nights, from 7pm until 8pm.
Musical Director: Chris Thompson
A former Bass Trombone player for the Lions Youth Brass, Chris currently holds the seat of First Trombone with the Nantwich and District Wind Band. Previously Chris has played for Roberts Bakery, Rode Hall and Audley Brass, where he held the position of Principal Trombone for three years, during which time he was a regular featured soloist and appeared at the National Finals at Dundee in 2003.
Chris has been taught by the Principal Trombone of the Black Dyke Band, Brett Baker, and teaches several members of the Lions Youth organisation. He has deputised for many bands such as Northop Silver, Normid 2000, City of Chester and Royal Buckley. In 2006 Chris was delighted to deputise with the world famous Besses O' Th' Barn Band, and has also been asked to rehearse with the Leyland Band.
Chris was delighted to be appointed as one of three Musical Directors of the Lions Beginner Band in 2005 and has also gained further conducting experience by filling in when required at the Nantwich and District Band, and has also been pleased to take the occasional Lions Youth Band rehearsal.
More to come, watch this
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