SBCB is not just about a 50 piece band - we also have 2 smaller groups regularly rehearsing and performing, and others that come together on an ad hoc basis. These groups are ideal for events where musical entertainment is needed, but where there may only be room for a few people on the stage. Please contact us if you would like to hire one of our groups for your event.
Sf Sax are a UK-based ensemble now consisting of soprano, alto, & baritone saxophones with a bass clarinet. The current instrumentation gives access to a wider range of quartet and quintet pieces and provides more flexibility in instrument combinations and player availability. The group consists of Mike Truslove, Mandy King, Becky Hall, Louise Truslove and Ray Meads.
The intention of Sf Sax is to explore the saxophone ensemble repertoire and to develop both the group's and members' musical skills. The group's repertoire ranges from classical, jazz and swing, to up-to-date contemporary music written especially for saxophone ensemble. Members of the group have also arranged pieces specifically for Sf Sax.
Sf Sax are currently expanding their video and sound recordings and social media presence to reach those with an interest in exploring the saxophone as a versatile and entertaining music ensemble.
See their YouTube page for some videos of the group in action, including the lockdown videos, or follow them on Facebook to see more about them and their forthcoming events.
A group of musicians from SBCB formed a clarinet group called No Strings Attached, and have performed at the Thatcham Festival every year since 2018, as well as at various garden parties, in churches, and for a large Platinum Jubilee event in 2022. The group has several Bb clarinets, Eb alto clarinet and up to two bass clarinets, depending on the piece being played. They rehearse once a fortnight on a Monday evening in the Old Bluecoat School in Thatcham, and enjoy playing an eclectic mix of music, from Baroque to The Beatles and beyond. They performed for the first time as part of a SBCB Concert in March 2023.
Players include Linda Davies, Helen Fasham, Fran Hallett, Suzi Hoppton, Anita Lee, Barbara Still, Glyn Thomas and Sue Tunley.
