Backworth Colliery Junior Band

The Junior Section of Backworth Colliery Brass Band was initially formed as a feeder band for the Senior Section. The Band at the beginning was led by Denis Taylor M Mus (Dunelm), B Mus. (Hons) London, FTCL, LTCL (TD) CertEd along with Members of the Senior Section.

The members of the band play brass instruments form the Cornet to Tuba and also a percussion section.  We have been very fortunate over the years to have retained most of the original members despite the natural loss of members to other commitments, Exams etc. The band has manages to go from strength to strength over the last few years gaining, Cups and Merits at the Wansbeck Music Festival.

To date we have also managed the initial quest of the junior section by junior members reaching that standard the youngest of which thirteen years of age.

Although the band is called the junior section it is open to anyone who would like to learn an instrument and be part of the band. It is also open to all levels of players.

The learners are normally taught in short lessons with the opportunity to go into the main section to listen and gain skill and confidence to play.

Learning an instrument gives you not only the ability of playing wonderful music it also gives members more skills including hand eye coordination (reading music and playing at the same time), confidence, discipline (there will be practice to do at home), Teamwork, Listening skills, also the responsibility of looking after the instrument in your care and the chance to meet people with the same interests as yourself.

All the members of the tutors and committee members of the band work voluntary and the only costs passed onto the band members is a £2.00 per week charge to cover costs. There is also a Tuck shop and the junior Section is always open to any donations.

The band, meet once a week at the Into Change Centre in Backworth each Friday 6.30pm. 

Dennis is now retired from the conducting side of the band although he does pop in from time to time to see how everyone is going.  He has given the band The Dennis Taylor Cup which is open to all members of the junior section this is awarded by the tutors annually to the member who has improved the most in the last year.

Dennis has also written a piece of music called ‘Backworth’ which has dedicated to Backworth Junior Brass Band.

Teresa Harris is conducting the band today and has put a lot of time and effort getting the best out of all the members of the band with outstanding results.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank Teresa from all members and committee for her wonderful work and support.