The Staffordshire Band has announced that they have accepted an invitation to become the ‘Brass Band in Residence’ at the Forest Arts Centre in Walsall.

Artistic hub

The Centre is based in Leamore, is Walsall’s artistic hub offering modern facilities including two auditoriums, dance studio, community cinema, recording studio, digital arts suite, sound proofed rehearsal rooms, arts classrooms and conference suites.

Available

It also a state-of-the-art sound recording suite offering the latest technology and flexibility in hardware and sound engineering as well as an in-house technician fully versed in digital arts, filmmaking, studio techniques and sound recording – all of which will be available to the band.

In addition, the Centre has extensive links with local businesses, Walsall Council, Lichfield Cathedral and many others — all of whom have pledged their support for its future development.

Central core

A central core of that development will see a focus for all brass aspirations, including the formation of two brass bands — one junior and senior, who will draw players from all over the Midlands, to use the Centre’s resources.

Since we lost the use of our Bandroom, some 10 years ago, we've had to endure quite a few obstacles in the way of getting rehearsals arranged. Now we can really move forward. The future is ours to developShaun Elliott

Pride

Mike Parrott of Walsall Council told 4BR: "Forest Arts Centre has always taken pride in placing itself at the heart of the local community and the Regional Arts Network.

The Staffordshire Band has achieved outstanding success at the highest levels and their creative energy and reputation will play an important role in sustaining a strong and progressive music culture in the Midlands."

Move forward

Band Chairman Shaun Elliott added: "Since we lost the use of our Bandroom, some 10 years ago, we've had to endure quite a few obstacles in the way of getting rehearsals arranged. Now we can really move forward. The future is ours to develop."