A chance to blow up a storm! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A chance to blow up a storm!

1:21pm Friday 7th April 2006 in Leisure By Jim Greenhalf, T&A Reporter

Can you blow your own trumpet?

Do you think of a cornet as a wind instrument capable of beautiful music or something that comes with a dollop of ice cream and a chocolate flake?

If your answer is yes to the first question and the first part of the second question, then you could be just what the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Concert Band is looking for.

The band, which has a woodwind section (unlike a brass band), needs six to eight trumpet and cornet players for up to 24 shows a year - and a weekly practice session.

"There are no payments. The money the band earns goes back into running the band, buying uniforms and music, " said bandleader Charlotte Stead.

Rehearsals are on Mondays between 7.30pm and 10pm. The repertoire is wide. The events at which the band plays include race meetings, carnivals and high profile civil events.

In 2003 the band performed at London's Royal Albert Hall as part of the Spirit of Fire concert. There are plans for an overseas tour and a CD in the next couple of years.

Anyone interested in attending a couple of rehearsals and then going through an audition does not have to be a fire fighter or a member in any other capacity of the fire service.

"We are open to the community.

Being in a concert band is a very different way of life to being in a brass band. There are so many brass bands up here that school leavers tend to go to them.

"Being in a concert band is a very different way of life. We do more commercial events plus our own concerts, " Charlotte said.

It is not necessary to have a uniform nor even a musical instrument: both can be provided by the band, only to chosen candidates of course.

All inquiries should be made to Charlotte Stead on 07946-616910 or be e-mail to steady999@ hotmail.