Police Band Seeks New Members To Reach Higher Level In 25th Year

The Band of West Mercia Police needs youIf you play a brass instrument and are free on Monday nights, then The Band of West Mercia Police needs you!

The band is looking to recruit new musicians to its ranks.

Formed in 1988, the band plays throughout the year, taking music into the community and raising money for local charities.

Over the last couple of decades, the band has raised nearly half a million pounds for worthy causes and has also had some success on the contest stage, twice qualifying for the national finals and winning prizes at the Wychavon Festival of Brass in 2011 for best local band.

All members are volunteers and are made up of serving police officers, police staff and members of the community.

Rehearsals are at West Mercia Police HQ, Hindlip Park, every Monday evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

The chairman of the band, PC Richard Waterhouse, who is a local policing officer in Redditch, said: "The band is looking to bolster it ranks with a view to progressing to a higher level.

"We are currently sitting in the third section but would love to advance into the second so are seeking players who can play to that level, especially as we are approaching our 25th anniversary in 2013.

The Police Band raising money for Victim Support last Christmas"In particular, we are looking for Bb bass and bass trombone players and also, a kit percussionist.

"Next year is due to be a busy one and we are already booked for many concerts. We are a friendly bunch and I hope people wouldn't be put off from coming along because they think we are all scary police officers!"

If anyone is interested in joining the band they can contact PC Waterhouse on 07771 618654 or him email at [email protected]

Issued: Friday, 31 August 2012