A Home of our Own

Aim

‘Making Music, Building Connections, Inspiring Futures’ We wish to build a bandroom that can be used by the local community

WHO ARE WE?

We are a community central brass band who have been performing in the public eye for the last 129 years.  

In March 2027, we celebrate our monumental 130th birthday!   We predominantly perform at community centric events such as Remembrance Parades/Concerts, Christmas services, Festivals and summer bandstand engagements.  Because of this we have become a central part of our community.

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR THIS PROJECT?

We have now reached the point where we have outgrown our current rented rehearsal space and we are still gaining new members.  As we are in rented space, we cannot store essential equipment, instruments and music in one central space.  Since the exponential growth since the Covid years, it has become more difficult to manage noise levels and the logistics of fitting us all in.

WHAT DO WE PROPOSE TO DO?

We are looking to build a permanent venue for the band - but somewhere where all sorts of community groups can access.  Somewhere where we can call home and not rely on the kindness of others to ensure the band thrives into the next 130 years.  The reality of our situation means that if we lose access to a hired building, then we will lose our band, as we are totally reliant on hired space to rehearse.  A dedicated building would mean longtime security for the band, encouraging new players - both young and old.

We have plans to evolve our Junior Band provision into local schools, and provide a welcoming and safe environment for youngsters to join the AVSB family, receiving subsidised, affordable tuition and plenty of performances to look forward to.  Other group possibilities are ready to be explored and proposed to the local community.

‘Band means everything to me as a young player.  Joining the band at 10 was a big encouragement for me and has made me the player I am’  Grace, aged 12.

‘Alcester Victoria Silver Band means so much to our family.  For our son, it has given him a love of music, confidence, friendships and a real sense of belonging.  Watching him grow from a beginner to achieving his Grade 2 on Cornet has been something we are incredibly proud of.  A new bandroom would give the band a much needed home where musicians of all ages can learn, rehearse, socialise and continue to grow together.  It would be a fantastic investment in the future of the band and the young musicians, like our son, who are lucky enough to be part of it.’ Mum of young cornet player, aged 11.

WHAT CAN WE OFFER TO OUR COMMUNITY?

Rehearsal schedules for both the adult and youth band, will ensure that there is plenty of opportunity for community youth groups, charities, and other community focussed organisations to use the building.  We are currently investigating and in conversation with Andy’s Man Club and Autism West Midlands as charitable groups to use the space, and hope that local groups like Pilates, Choirs, Knitting groups - whatever takes your fancy will be able to access the new space in the community.

Through attending an information meeting, we know that there is a need for a group such as Andy’s Man Club in this area, as the nearest to us is Chipping Norton.  

WHAT MIGHT OUR NEW BANDROOM LOOK LIKE?

We have an architect working on final drawings, but here are a few ideas for our imagined band room, AI generated (love it or hate it), based on similar properties in the UK, utilised by bands and the wider community alike.  These pictures give you a flavour of what we envisage.

The main rehearsal room would be spacious, sound-proofed and air conditioned so that we could rehearse without noise pollution.  The entire building will be able to be accessed by able and disabled people alike. Having all of our equipment in one place will ensure that before each rehearsal, volunteers do not have to collect, manhandle and transport equipment and music across the town of Alcester.  This includes weekly packing and unpacking of equipment shown here such as an entire drum kit, timpani, marimba, glockenspiel and bass drum.  Our band instruments and entire library of music are currently stored at a local business in Alcester and access to this is limited and we do not have control of the buildings that house these band assets.

With a working kitchen and meeting room, we would be able to offer our amenities to many types of community and specialist outreach groups.  There will be mens and ladies/disabled/baby change facilities also available.

The new meeting room is one of the main rooms that we would like to open up to the community - in particular charitable groups requiring a meeting room.  Monthly band committee meetings will run at this venue.  

**WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR MORE MATCHFUNDER BUSINESS PARTNERS AND SPONSORS.

COULD THIS BE YOU?**

Matchfunding means being one of many partners.  The aim is, anything we have donated, you could add a percentage of that as your donation.

• Extra money can be raised - a cash boost injection to help us reach our goal quicker.
• Having your business as a corporate partner, will help to raise our campaigns profile and will in turn be extra advertising, both physical and on social media.
• Give us that extra push of momentum…. We have a target which at times will feel like trying to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro wearing a fridge on your back.  Knowing that you believe in our cause as much as we do will do wonders for our determination to get there as soon as is humanly possible.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 24th January 2027 at 10:52am