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GSCB Starter Band
Welcome to the GSCB Starter Band home-page!
The GSCB Starter Band is the younger sibling of the Goring and Streatley Concert band for those young in age and/or young at heart who are looking to begin, develop or revisit their experience of playing in an ensemble. As of September 2026 we are expanding our offering to those who can play even just a handful of notes on their instruments and we are also now welcoming string players.
We will continue ot offer a broad range of repertoire for all musical interests, abilities and ages and we are always interested to hear from potential new members. We currently have a membership of around 55 which means you will be able to find your feet in a supportive atmosphere.
*** Starter Band is expanding in 2026/27! ***
The Starter Band now offers places for string players as well as those of any string, woodwind (including recorder) or brass instrument who can play only a handful of notes. We believe ensemble playing is one of the most beneficial things any musician can do - both for playing and wellbeing - and our experience of collaborating with the Goring and Streatley Young Musicians Trust (who ran the Funky Philharmonic at Easter) and our taster session in July has shown that our Starter Band can be adapted to accommodate those much earlier in their playing career than we have previously been able to do.
Whilst we will still play a broad range of music, we will ensure there are parts suitable for any standard so don't worry if you can only play a few notes - we'll still make that work! We are also looking to bring in instrument teachers to the rehearsals so there will be specialist support available to newer players. Our experienced players will of course be very happy to help anyone new to ensemble playing. It is the mix of generations and experience that makes the Starter Band such a thriving community of musicians - do get in touch if you think you might be interested and would like to come along and give us a try!
Key Dates
The Starter Band is currently on its summer holiday but please ensure these dates are in your diaries!
First rehearsal (existing members): Monday 7 September, 2026 (6:30pm - 7:30pm)
First rehearsal (new members): Monday 28 September, 2026 (6:30pm - 7:30pm)
Christmas Concert: Saturday 5 December, 4pm, Goring Village Hall
Spring Concert: Sunday 14 March, 5pm, Benson Parish Hall
Join Us
We are always happy to hear from any woodwind or brass players interested in playing in the band, (particularly tuba players!) however some sections are currently approaching/exceeding capacity so please do get in touch first. The band is a mix of ages from nine upwards with no maximum age!
Subscriptions from September 2026 will remain £45 per year for adults and £22.50 for U18s.
For more information and/or to arrange a time to come and try us out, please contact us using the link below. We can also put you in touch with local teachers for private brass and woodwind tuition if you would like to rekindle or start a new musical journey!
Concerts
The Starter Band plays a wide range of musical styles at three annual events usually scheduled around Spring, Summer, and Christmas.
The Starter Band is especially proud of its "Starter Band presents...." series of themed concerts at the Village Hall in which have included Big Band Nights, Halloween, 70s Night and last year we celebrated our first Starter Band Prom.... The band has also enjoyed combining resources with the Concert Band at our last two Spring Concerts and we hope this is a tradition that will continue!