FREE summer workshops start next week as a Fenland band looks to attract new players to the brass scene.

FREE summer workshops start next week as a Fenland band looks to attract new players to the brass scene.

Manea Silver Band is running a free summer school, giving children and adults the chance to learn how to play an instrument during the school holidays.

Musicians from the band will be available to show beginners the ropes between 5pm and 7pm on Monday evenings. Instruments available will include cornet, tenor horn, and trombone.

The lessons will be led by the band’s musical director, Clare Hall. Clare has been a music teacher at Mildenhall College of Technology since September 2007.

Clare, who has been a keen brass band player since the age of eight, said: “The brass band community provides a firm musical foundation for beginners of all ages and a great opportunity for friendship and laughter.”

Niki Williamson, the band’s secretary, has been a member since moving to the area five years ago and said: “We’re so proud of our players and so pleased to be able to offer this great chance for local people to get involved with what we’re doing.”

Manea Silver Band was founded in 1882, but after dying out in the 1960s it was revived in 1982 and has enjoyed continued success since.

Today the band plays a varied programme of music featuring everything from traditional marches to Tom Jones numbers.

• It is essential to book a place on the summer school. Anyone interested should contact Niki on 07912 667743 or Clare on 01354 680733 for more details.