Lofthouse Brass Band

FAQs

• What kind of events do you usually serve?

  Lofthouse Brass Band perform in many different venues, including concert halls, village fetes and weddings. The open-air is a good place for a brass band in the summer, but attention should be given to the location. Drums particularly are vulnerable to extreme heat and rain, so a shady spot or under cover of some kind is preferable. It is useful if the playing area can have some shelter from wind. Music stands carrying music are particularly difficult to deal with in even breezy conditions, so any shelter is always appreciated. The Band will bring their own pegs to hold the music on the stands. In the case of wet or inclement weather, what will happen? Will the event be cancelled, or moved indoors? Will the band still be required? If the band's services are cancelled, what notice would we receive, and would there still be payment available? From a practical point of view, the ground needs to be relatively flat. Not only is it important for the physical position for somebody who is to work sitting down for an hour or two, but music stands are top heavy and can be unstable if the ground is not good. If you want the band to play on grass, please bear in mind that chairs with thin legs, on soft ground quite easily sink into the turf. This can damage the grass, not to mention falling players and instruments! You need to think what will be going on around the Band. For safety, we should not be placed next to a busy road. Think also of animals - some of which can be startled by a band if they are not used to them.

• How long do you play for?

  For weddings we will play for 15 mins prior to the service, the Processional, during the signing of the register and then the Recessional. After the service we will play for approx 45 mins while the guests take drinks and canapes. Alternatively we can change our playing to your requirements.

• Do you have your own PA and lighting?

  We don not have the need for a PA but additional lighting may be required

• Do you have Public Liability Insurance and PAT tested equipment?

  We have our own Public Liability Insurance and PAT Tested equipment

• How much space do you require?

  The Band would ideally expect to occupy a space of around 15m x 15m, though smaller spaces may be accommodated. We are able to play on some 'tiered' stages, but this is dependent entirely on the size and location of the tiers. This must be discussed and agreed with the band in advance. For nearly all events the Band will require seating (usually around 25 brass and 1 percussionist). Chairs with arms make things difficult for brass players, so it's best to avoid them if at all possible.

• My favourite tune is not on your list. Will you be able to play it?

  The repertoire for a brass band is extensive, if we can we will do all we can to source and arrangement and if one is not available we can always ask for an arrangement to be done, if copyright allows for an extra cost

• How many breaks do you take? How long are they?

  We would normally expect to take one break of 15 mins per one hours programme