Kentish Express Ashford & District
Band bangs drum in hope of recruiting new members
Ashford Concert Band is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year – but is in need of more drummers.
Leaders of the group, which rehearses every week at the John Wesley primary school, are preparing to hold their annual Christmas concert next week.
But the band – which has to about 40 members – is on the look out for more percussionists.
Saxophonist Kathy Osmotherly, 70, says the group is always open to new members.
“It has grown and changed a lot in its 15 years,” Mrs Osmotherly said.
“We are always keen to get new members, especially drummers.
“Percussion is a key part of the band and we only have one drummer – in some of the pieces we do there is a lot of percussion and those instruments are very important for keeping the beat.”
The band was formed under the name Windmill, to encourage adults who had not played for a few years to return to their instruments and play together with more experienced members.
Since then, the group has gone from strength to strength, playing regular concerts in and around the town to raise money for charity.
Under musical director Tony Thornton, the band is open to brass, woodwind and percussion players.
Mr Thornton served in the Army with the Royal Engineer Band for 25 years before joining the TA band at Canterbury to play the clarinet.
Former teacher Mrs Osmotherly, who lives in Grasmere Road, Kennington, says anyone is welcome to join the group, which is raising cash for Crossroads Care Kent charity this year.
“It is a very loyal band and we all enjoy it,” Mrs Osmotherly added.
“We play quite a lot of music from shows like Beauty and the Beast and Oliver.
“It is more rewarding playing in a band than by yourself and it is great fun.”
The band’s Christmas concert will be held at St Mary’s in the town centre at 7.30pm on Friday, December 8.
Tickets cost £5 on the door.