Next Concert Information

Details should be announced at rehearsals when confirmed, or keep checking back here as I will post more details when I know them myself.

• Arrive for tuning no later than 7:00pm
• Normal uniform
• Ensure instrument is clean and oiled
• Directions will be provided
• Please ask if you need a lift
• If you have spare seats, please let us know

KCB Notices

Please note any following changes to the normal rehearsal sessions:

From 2010:

• January
  (31 March latest)

• January
• April
• July
• October

Uniform

Ensure you are wearing the correct uniform for concerts. Failure to comply could mean exclusion from the concert. Unless specifically told otherwise, the normal KCB uniform is:

White, long-sleeved shirt/blouse

Band Jacket (supplied)

Band Tie (supplied)

Black trousers/skirt

Black socks/tights

Black shoes, polished

All dress should be clean, ironed and tucked-in as appropriate. Top buttons fastened and tie pulled-up. You should appear smart, we are putting over a professional image to our audience. If you have any uniform questions, ask the uniform secretary. You should look and act in a professional manor when representing the Band.

For our formal occasions, a plain black bow-tie is worn. Please use your own or if you don't have one, see the uniform secretary to see if one can be supplied which will constitute a part of your KCB uniform.

A colourful waistcoat over a black, open-necked shirt is worn in the Christmas concerts. These are provided by the band and should be returned to the uniform secretary at the end of the concert. Do not take these home with you, as they are maintained by volunteers, ensuring they remain in concert condition (including equal washing methods to keep colours in balance).

A £10.00 uniform deposit is required once you have joined the band, which is refunded on returned of the uniform if you leave. However, if it is damaged, dirty, or tie/bow-tie is missing, all or part of the deposit may be used to clean, repair or replace as necessary.

A properly maintained instrument sounds bright and performs reliably, whereas a poorly maintained instrument sounds dull, is harder to play and may stick at the most inopportune time.

Basic instrument care instructions:

Every session

• Check valves are not sticking.
• Check valve caps are just finger tight.
• Check slides are not sticking.
• Check mouthpiece is not sticking.
• Warm instrument before start of rehearsal.
• Check instrument is in tune.
• Clean mouthpiece after each session.

Monthly

• Take instrument fully apart and soak in clean warm water for at least an hour.
• Shake, rotate and rinse well to remove debris.
• Clean holes in valves with appropriate brush or a cloth.
• Check spit valves are clear and seal properly.
• Dry each part thoroughly.
• Clean all parts with a soft cloth.
• Check all parts for damage and report anything that needs repair.
• Check valve springs are lively. Don't over-stretch.
• Smear petroleum gel on the slides and mouthpiece (not too much).
• Put valve oil on the valves (not too much).
• Don't tighten the valve caps more than finger tight. A small amount of petroleum gel on the threads will help avoid sticking.

You are responsible for keeping your instrument in good condition and good working order at all times. Just remember, you may have to contribute to repairs for any damage that comes from neglect or misuse.

These have been moved to the new Downloads Page since November 2009. Please refer there.

General Notices

This is primarily intended for KCB usage, but I'm also willing to accept suggestions from non-KCB people but only if it would be of real interest to our KCB members. Whether something is posted will be solely at the WebMaster's and/or Chairman's discretion, with no correspondence entered into.

Please contact me with your best Brass Band jokes, and I will publish the clean ones!