Why are we raising funds?
Kilmarnock Concert Brass (KCB) rehearse at The Well, Whatriggs Road, Kilmarnock, which is a Church of Scotland outreach centre recently opened as a community hub. Like other premises, the heating costs of The Well have risen dramatically over the past few months which are impacting on maintainance of adequate temperatures within the centre as refurbishment costs spiral upwards and temperatures drop. As a part of the community within The Well, we would like to rehearse in a warm space, and play our part in ensuring that the centre provides a warm, welcoming space for other users during the fuel crisis and cold winter months by contributing to the heating costs . Our contributions will also provide a way of introducing our band to The Well community, and potentially gather new supporters for the band in the Bellfield and Shortlees community.
The Well | Kilmarnock | Facebook 
Why is being warm important to band members?
Players and instruments react poorly to cold environments and it is in our best interests to have a relatively stable temperature in the rehearsal hall, as instruments become warm when they are played, but cool down rapidly when players are resting for any time. This rapid heating and cooling affects the tuning of the instruments and can reduce the effectiveness of rehearsal time.
The musicians within the band remain seated for extended period during rehearsals, which usually last 2 hours, but can be extended 4 hours during preparation for competitions. Players' concentration, manual dexterity and general comfort suffer in cold conditions, making rehearsals less effective and
definitely less enjoyable!
Who will the funding help?
As a band, we have a really strong ethos of being a friendly, welcoming group - a 'band family,' supporting each other both musically and personally. One recently joined member commented in a group message 'I was a tad nervous at the thought of going away for a weekend with you all since I don’t know most of you, but you were all so welcoming and are a great bunch of people.' We have several talented younger players in KCB and we are keen to attract more. Once the refurbishments are complete at The Well, we would like to introduce a brass tuition group and starter band, helping to bring music to those who may not have the opportunity within the school environment to learn to play. We would also love to hold regular musical events at the venue.
By helping with The Well's heating costs, we hope to maintain an optimum temperature within the hall for rehearsals. The project will also contribute to maintaining a warm, welcoming environment within The Well for other users of this community space, providing a warm, safe space for people to visit. There are several other groups using the facilities at The Well including: Mothers and Toddlers, Boys Brigade, Zumba, Crafting Club, Tea and Toast get-togethers and a Mens' Club. These communities are popular and growing daily, providing the local community with access to interest groups, exercise , company and friendship in a safe, welcoming environment.
We aim to raise around £1000 as a contribution to heating The Well, with any additional funds raised being used to make our rehearsal and storage space within The Well fit for purpose within the remit of any refurbishment plans that The Well already has in place. This will allow us to organise musical events for local residents, which we hope will further contribute to The Well's presence in our community.
Any donation you can afford to make is gratefully received and from all of us at KCB we say 'thank you!'