About Hertfordshire Band Academy

Hertfordshire Band Academy

Current divisional DOUBLE GOLD MEDALISTS and WORLD CHAMPIONS from the 2022 World Music Contest, Kerkrade, Netherlands. 

Established in 1972, the Academy's success and growth has been driven by hundreds of individuals from our community, who have enjoyed lifelong friendships, unique experiences and played their part in building today's world class showband. 

As a charity, we are governed by our Constitution and follow the administration structure from the Charities Commission. Further to this, the Academy has links with Brass Band England (BBE), British Youth Band Association (BYBA), Charities Commission and Making Music to support the management of our Academy activities.

The academy is managed and operated entirely by volunteers, who all share a passion for this unique community band. The academy provides tuition and training events (weekly rehearsals and two annual weekend training events), opportunities to perform (locally and internationally), many instruments (although individuals are welcome to bring their own), the necessary duty of care (performance liability insurance, risk assessments, support crew etc.) and performance uniforms; all supported by an immense fundraising effort from band performances to special fundraising activities and events.

Our Band Community

Our music, marching and social side provides a unique bond for young and old alike. This shared passion provides many with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique activity which relieve the stresses of daily life, whilst boosting emotional engagement with music and a like-minded community.

To operate such a band and schedule, requires significant support. To ensure our future, all support (whether one off or longer term) is vital across fundraising, performance support, logistics support etc. If you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you.

Support Us

Hertfordshire Showband

One of the UK's most successful (world award winning) marching bands, consisting of around 60+ performers across percussion, woodwind and brass instruments. Currently double World Champions and Gold Medal Winners of the First Division March Parade and Second Division March categories at the World Music Contest (WMC), Kerkrade, Holland.

One of the showband’s strongest assets is its versatile ability to perform in different styles, large and small, local, national and international. Our performances span:

• Local carnivals, gigs & festivals: (e.g. St. Georges Day | Potters Bar Carnival |  Welwyn Festival )
• Concerts
• Competitions: (e.g. World Music Contest | BYBA Contests | WAMSB)
• Parades: (e.g. Lord Mayor’s Show | New Years Day Parade | Festive Parades | Hampton Court Palace Parade)
• TV & film: (e.g. BBC: Blue Peter, Zing Zillas | ITV: Britain’s Got Talent | Channel 4: 2011 Christmas Special | Netflix: The Perfect Couple)
• Fanfares
• International events: (e.g. opening of the London 2012 Olympic Stadium | Tattoos | London Band Week | Disneyland Paris Parade)

Hertfordshire Showband - Junior Division

A training and development division for members from around 9 yrs+ who are learning their chosen instrument. The junior division will help in the learning & development of music and marching whilst also fostering friendships in appropriate age groups. The junior division membership ranges from aged 9-17 yrs and players who are grade 1/2 standard (subject to instrument). Music and instruction are specifically aimed at nurturing and developing younger members to a point they feel more confident to progress. This education step is vital in the longer-term engagement of our members and creates a fantastic confidence-building platform.

Operated by a small team of passionate band enthusiasts, supported by the Hertfordshire Showband Leadership (all volunteers), it's a group which advances community development, music education, art, culture and the discipline of marching and performing via the world of music and marching.

Music

The Hertfordshire Showband is proud to offer a rich and varied musical repertoire that truly has something for everyone. Our playlist features an exciting blend of styles, from upbeat pop anthems and traditional marches to well-loved show tunes, festive holiday music and so much more! This variety not only reflects the diverse musical tastes within our band community but also highlights our core values of adaptability and musicianship. Whether we are entertaining crowds at parades, performing on stage or rehearsing behind the scenes, our music choices are thoughtfully selected to challenge and inspire our members. Our music generally ranges from Grade 4 level and above, providing opportunities for skill development while ensuring our performances are both polished and dynamic. Our ever-growing back catalogue allows us to tailor our setlists to suit any occassion, making each performance a unique experience that is fresh, engaging and fun for all audiences.

Have a Listen

Instrumentation

 

Percussion

Snare drum | Bass drum | Cymbals | Timbale

 

Tuned Percussion

Bell-lyre

 

Woodwind

Flute | Piccolo | Clarinet | Saxophone

 

Brass

Trumpet | Horn | Baritone | Trombone | Euphonium | Tuba | Sousaphone

History

With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the Hertfordshire Showband has grown and transformed significantly since its early days. Originally founded as a Scout and Guide band, it began as a community-focused group dedicated to bringing young people together through music, discipline, and teamwork. Over the decades, the band has evolved into the vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic Showband you see today - welcoming members of all ages and backgrounds, expanding its musical repertoire, and embracing new performance styles. This journey reflects not only our commitment to tradition but also our passion for innovation, growth, and continued excellence in music and performance.

Take a look back in time!