We are a volunteer-run charity (registered number 1142255) overseen by a small group of Trustees and a committee. It continues to be tough for smaller charities but our community has proved creative and resilient. To continue to operate and thrive, we rely on fees, donations and grant funding.
Head to our JustGiving fundraising site to support our work.
East London Community Band is a vibrant and multi-generational community music organisation, welcoming players of all ages, instruments, levels, and musical interests, from first-timers to those who have been playing music their whole lives.
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We run a range of ensembles offering a wide variety of repertoire, giving everyone a chance to learn new skills, explore a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, concert band repertoire, early music and percussion. We also offer free instrument loans so that learning music can be accessible to all.
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If you want to find out more about what we do, then come along to the Shadwell Centre any Friday evening 5.30-8.30pm during term-time to see for yourself and become a part of this East London institution! If you might want to join as a playing member then please email info@eastlondoncommunityband.co.uk first, so that we can see how best to accomodate you.
Please note that, due to the band's popularity, we currently operate a waiting list system for certain instruments.
Join London's friendliest band!
Jazz Groups
Join the Big Band, Jazz Combo or our New Orleans-style Stompers
With a big band, small jazz combo and a fun New-Orleans style band, there's something for everyone in the jazz programme, whether you've never played jazz before or have your Charlie Parker solos all memorised, you'll just need a willingness to take part!
*please check whether there is space in our jazz groups by emailing us first*
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STOMPERS 5.45-6.30pm
A relaxed and fun group learning tunes by ear, aimed at those looking for a first taste of playing in a jazz ensemble.
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COMBO 8.00-8.45pm
A smaller group for those looking to explore jazz repertoire and individual improvisation in more detail.
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BIG BAND 6.45-7.45pm
A traditional big band playing compositions and arrangements by the likes of Count Basie, Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington.
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Director: Reuben Fowler
Concert Band
Our flagship band playing traditional and contemporary pieces
6.45-8.45pm (break 7.30-7.45)
A huge repertoire for players of all ages, playing both traditional, popular and contemporary music on wind, brass and percussion instruments.
The original ensemble around which our other musical activities have developed over the years, concert band currently boasts a 40+ strong membership and plays a variety of repertoire including movie themes, jazzy pieces, classical transcriptions, and more serious contemporary wind orchestra repertoire.
We perform several times a year giving concerts both locally and further afield, including at the National Contemporary Music (CoMA) Music Festival.
A friendly group, members join as soon as they are proficient enough. The age range is 8-80 years old. We play because we enjoy it, but we’re also proud to have won Silver in the National Concert Band Festival for three years running!
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Director: Samuel Huston
Premier Band
Perfect for beginners and returners – once you know 5 notes, you're in!
5.45-6.30pm
Expertly led by Jonathan Ticher, Premier Band introduces beginners and returners to playing in a group at ELCB.
Once players have learned the basics of their instruments and can play the first few notes confidently, they will be invited to join Premier Band and, with a little practice at home, most members join after just a term or two of tuition.​
Premier Band is great fun. It introduces basic ensemble playing skills, builds on these and develops confidence and commitment through the joy of playing with others.
The aim of Premier Band is to get players into ELCB as soon as possible. A beginner player should be able to achieve this within a year of starting to play an instrument.
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Director: Jonathan Ticher​​​​​
Wind Band
Want to enjoy accessible but rewarding music in a supportive setting?
6.45-8.45pm (break 7.30-7.45)
Our newest ensemble, sitting between Premier band and Concert band, this group is both a training band for musicians who want to progress through ELCB and a slightly more relaxed band for those who want to play easier music than the current Concert Band repertoire.
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Watch this space for more information as the group settles in!
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Leader: Megan (Meg) Storer​
Early Music Group
A self-led group for those interested
in exploring this beautiful genre
5.30-6.30pm
Recorders and strings exploring renaissance and early baroque music, with an emphasis on listening to and communicating with each other to refine the performance quality without a conductor.
The music is chosen/arranged to stretch the skills of the group as a whole and of each player and often includes short solo sections.
Beginners are very welcome and can be buddied up with existing players.
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Leader: Kate Gould
Percussion Group
A brilliant route to making music together in a group!
5.30-6.00pm
A great way for our youngest members and adult beginners alike to get to grips with basic rhythms and timings. We offer a Drumline group with regular performance opportunities.
The whole family can get involved in the percussion ensemble which is held before Premier Band.
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Leader: Meadow Brooks​​
CONTACT US
East London Community Band
Friday nights during term time The Shadwell Centre, 455 The Highway, London, England E1W 3HP
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www.eastlondoncommunityband.co.uk
Email info@eastlondoncommunityband.co.uk
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Twitter @elcb_social Instagram elcb_social
Facebook eastlondoncommunityband
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Registered address 8 Maria Terrace London E1 4NE
Charity no 1142255
