Formed in 2003 the Essex Marching Corps are one of the most popular youth
marching bands in the UK. With a membership of over 50 youngsters our
commitment to high levels of youth work and excellent music skills puts us in high
demand for events all over the country and abroad.
Our objective is that high quality music making is for all youngsters regardless of ability, financial means or family situation. Working with local trust funds and charities we ensure that taking part is as low cost as possible yet opportunities are constantly available. Uniquely to youth activities there are no requirements on upper leaving age, with many members staying on past 18 to continue participation and skills transference to younger members.
Playing a large repertoire of music from military marches to recent pop, rock and even heavy metal, we can adapt our performance set to the audience and setting as well as ensuring that all youngsters are engaged and enjoying participation. We are very lucky to have a wonderful leader team who ensure every youngsters progresses quickly to a high standard and are valued within the corps environment
Youngsters can join from the age of 8, with or without experience. We provide all uniform and an instrument on hire free of charge so that youngsters have no barrier to participation.
Rehearsals are weekly in term time and half terms with breaks over summer and Christmas.
Instruments supported are Cornet, Trumpet, Baritone Euphonium, Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Alto and Tenor Saxophone and military snare and bass drum.
Times of rehearsals are:
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Dinner Club - Informal facilities for youngsters to cook dinner & homework etc if coming straight from school
5.30pm - 7.30pm - Training Band Members compulsory times
6.30pm - 8.30pm - Main Band compulsory times
Many members of the Main Band choose to also attend from 5.30pm for additional learning time and support of training band members.