Welcome to the University of Warwick Brass Society!

The University of Warwick Brass Society or BrassSoc for short is a fun, friendly and lively group to get involved with. The society welcomes all brass players, percussionists and even those who have never picked up a brass instrument before! Our award winning ensembles (which include a brass band, a symphonic brass ensemble and a beginners brass group) welcome all standards of musicians, and (apart from symphonic brass) are all non-auditioned. With over 50 members, we provide opportunities for all brass players to rehearse, perform and socialise regularly.

Main Band

Main Band is a full sized brass band, and the society’s largest ensemble. The band is unauditioned, and open to anybody from the university and local area. Main Band is professionally conducted by renowned trombonist Simon Hogg, which leads to a very high standard of music.

The brass band rehearses from 5:00-7:30 every Wednesday in the Ensemble room and anyone is welcome to come down and join us. The band also participates in a range of concerts and contests throughout the year. Highlights of the year include our trip to the Whit Friday Marches in Saddleworth, participation in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, a joint concert with the brass bands from Leeds and Durham, as well as UniBrass (the amazing inter-university brass band entertainment contest). Previously this contest has been held in Warwick but we're looking forward to competing in Sheffield next year. 

Symphonic Brass

Symphonic Brass is our entirely student-led ensemble who rehearse from 5:00-7:30 on a Friday. This group has a varied programme that includes classical arrangements such as Saint-Saens' 'Marche Militaire Francaise', more modern pieces, such as Howard Blake's 'Sinfonietta', and even new renditions of some well-known classics, such as Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven'. Following a highly succesful gig in Leamington a couple of years ago, the group has recently released their debut CD.

For the first term of the new academic year, Symphonic Brass will focus on small group playing in quintets mostly until the University allows groups of larger than 6 to meet again.

Beginners and Intermediates Brass

If you've never played a brass instrument but would like to be involved then Beginners Brass might be for you. Beginners Brass provides an opportunity for anyone to learn a brass instrument. We provide all the instruments and music needed and you'll be able to recieve basic tuition, offered by some of our more experienced members, for free! What is more, many of the students who attend Beginners Band from the Autumn term often progress quickly enough to become fully-fledged members of the main brass band by the summer term.

If you are returning to brass having taken a break, and are looking to get back into it before progressing to main band, or have progressed from beginners, Intermediates Brass is for you! We continue to provide tuition and ensemble work as in Beginners and get you prepared for joining our main band.

Socials and Events

The society has a very active social life and organises regular mini-tours, curry nights, socials (including our famous Pudding Social!) as well as a trip to the pub with a side of karaoke after every rehearsal! The society also offers biannual tours abroad. Previously we have been to Munich, Budapest, Strasbourg, Vienna and most recently Cologne.

In 2016, the society celebrated its 25th anniversary since its creation and we marked this exciting occasion with a special anniversary concert involving both past and current members of the band which was a great event.

More from BrassSoc...

To find out more information about our society, visit our website:
www.brasssoc.com

Do follow us on Instagram!
@brasssoc

And remember to like our Facebook page!
www.facebook.com/brasssoc