South Norfolk Symphonic Band
About us
South Norfolk Symphonic Band was formed by Mike Booty – who is still Chairman and Musical Director – in 1974. The Band has raised many thousands of pounds for charities and regularly gives several concerts each year. SNSB has twice played and been presented to HRH The Princess Royal, once in the Royal Albert Hall. We have performed ‘Tubby the Tuba’, narrated by the late Roy Castle and performed in Europe on many occasions winning third prize in an International Music Festival in Valkenburg, Holland. The Band was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2006. It has toured Germany five times, most recently in July 2000, the Far East, Singapore, Borneo and Thailand in August 2008. SNSB returned to the far east in 2012, and again in 2016 and 2019. The Band is completely independent, relying on income from our own concerts.
Join us
The Band is a mixed ability band, currently with over 50 members, aged between eight and 75! Some have no Associated Board examination successes while others have passed Grade Eight. Auditions are not neccessary, just keen-ness and the desire to make great music. Joining this band is much more than just coming along and playing on a Tuesday evening. It is about like minded people getting together to play and enjoy their music in an atmosphere of friendship and to spread that enjoyment to the listening audience in concerts.
Do I need my own instrument?
No, although the Band maintains many instruments it was fortunate, in Summer 1997, to receive a £50,000 Lottery Grant to buy some of the more expensive instruments that parents find difficult to buy. The instruments obtained include oboes, bassoon, bass and contra bass clarinets, french horns, a tuba, an impressive array of percussion as well as many others.
What will I be doing as part of SNSB?
As a Band Member you may attend Band Functions and play in Concerts as soon as you join. Most will be within twenty miles of our base in Diss although some are further a field.
How much will it cost?
It is a £50 per year subscription and when you join you get a branded SNSB tie for concerts. Your Membership Subscription to the band is then paid up to the following Annual General Meeting, usually held in November. The only other costs involved with membership are travelling to rehearsals and concerts, Band trips, Residential Weekends and the like.
Where are rehearsals?
If you want to come and play with the band for a few weeks to consider whether to join please turn up by 7.00pm any Tuesday night at No 8, The Marketplace, Diss. It is the ballroom above the shop. The Band rehearses every week of the year except two weeks over Christmas/New Year.