We are a non-auditioning band, welcoming brass and percussion players of all abilities, studying any subject.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, including what instruments can join and the types of music we play.
Freshers Week
We will be at Freshers Fair! Do come along to say hello, ask any questions you have about the band, and sign up! We will be in Central Hall at stall number 12, alongside all the other music & performance societies.
Our first rehearsal will be on Sunday of Week 2 at 7pm.
Our Social Secs will be at Greg’s Place, Campus West from 6:45 to meet new players, before walking across to the concert hall at 6:55. We know the back entrance to the music department isn’t the easiest place to find in your first week at York so we hope this will mean you can come along without fear of getting lost!
Our conductor for the 21/22 year, Brandon, has kindly agreed to come back to lead our first rehearsal, so we are hoping it will be a fun evening of welcoming everyone and making music. In our Week 3 rehearsal we’ll elect our conductor for the new year.
You’re welcome to try out the band for three weeks before paying membership (see below).
Beyond Freshers Week
New members are welcome to join us at any point during the academic year. We recommend you drop us an email the day before rehearsal to let us know you’re coming. We’ll be able to help you find the concert hall (and let you know if we’re rehearsing in a different room that week) and be ready to welcome you when you arrive!
Speak to the Secretary during your first rehearsal (or email us afterwards) to get added to our mailing list for three weeks so you can come to a few rehearsals before deciding if you’d like to buy membership (see below).
Rehearsals
The band rehearses every Sunday during term time from 7pm to 9pm in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall. Enter the building by the entrance nearest the Sally Baldwin buildings (pictured below).
Rehearsals may change occasionally, due to room availability and extra rehearsals for concerts and contests. Members are notified of any changes via email.
Membership
Membership is £6 per year. This money goes towards all aspects of our activities including purchasing sheet music, coach hire and contest entrance fees. The cost has not been increased for a number of years and we believe it represents excellent value for a year of banding!
It’s really important to us that finances aren’t a barrier to anyone wanting to join. You may be eligible to have your membership fee paid by YUSU’s Activities Access Grant. There may be other sources of support too; please contact the Treasurer who can talk to you about these.
You are welcome to try out band for three weeks before paying the membership fee. If you sign up at Freshers Fair you’ll be added to our mailing list for three weeks. When you purchase membership you’ll be added to the mailing list for the rest of the academic year. If you decide that band isn’t for you, you will be automatically removed from our mailing list after your three week trial.
Visitors
Friends of band members, UYBB alumni, and other players visiting the university are welcome to join our rehearsal at the discretion of the Chair and Conductor. Please email us at least three days before rehearsal.