Join Fresh Aire!

Why Join Fresh Aire!?

Fresh Aire! is an enthusiastic beginners’ band. We cater for musicians at the start of their journey who are looking for the opportunity to improve their playing, participate in performances and build friendships with like minded people. Whatever your age, Fresh Aire! is perfect if you’re a learner looking for an easy going, low commitment band where you can learn music at your level.

We currently looking for new players to join the band, especially a keyboard player and drummer.

What We’re About

Our Rehearsals

If you play brass, woodwind, or percussion you’d be a great fit for Fresh Aire! We play music that is between grade 1 and grade 3 in terms of difficulty. If you need more of a challenge you should check out our main band, Hot Aire!

Our relaxed and low pressure rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings in Saltaire, Shipley. We learn pieces at a steady pace, taking time to go over more complicated parts to ensure everyone understands what they are playing. Don’t worry if you can’t get all the notes, Fresh Aire! is about learning and taking part!

If you’re new to playing in a band our more experienced members will be more than happy to help you, if desired. Some Hot Aire! band players use Fresh Aire! rehearsals to learn a second instrument and lend a helping hand to our beginner players.

After the rehearsal there is a short break before the Hot Aire! starts, which gives you the opportunity to catch up with friends and perhaps listen to Hot Aire! honing their craft.

What We Play

Our Fresh Aire! library contains simpler pieces and is constantly being added to. Examples include Pirates of The Caribbean, Blinding Lights, and Mama Mia. Music is deliberately chosen to be accessible to beginner players whilst affording them the ability to develop their musicianship.

Fresh Aire! get the opportunity to play as a separate group from Hot Aire! and have played at local events, including Baildon Gardens, Shipley Community Centre and Ilkley Bandstand. Fresh Aire! also plays at Hot Aire! concerts in their own right, and at the end of these concerts combine with Hot Aire! to form our super group, Compressed Aire!

In Our Musical Directors Words

I want to encourage budding musicians of all ages to play music and get involved with a band. My goal is to improve the quality of the playing, in a low pressure environment.

I think learning to be part of an ensemble and concentrating on the basics is really important. By taking our time with pieces, paying attention to the details where necessary, and ensuring everyone understands what they’re playing we’re able to foster a surprisingly high standard whilst keeping the music simple and accessible. This helps improve the standard of Fresh Aire!, whilst keeping it fun!

Barbara Snowdon – Conductor and Musical Director

What Our Members Think

Simon
Clarinet
I had been a professional musician for 16 years. I joined to get regular playing and performing opportunities. I like the fact the band is very sociable.
Keith
Drum Kit
I saw Hot Aire! perform well before I joined. I thought that’s a good sound. I like that! I enjoy the music, the people and the social side. I also like being quite central to the band. It’s quite a responsibility which I like.
Kate A
Flute
It’s a wonderful music community. I have so many lovely friends at band. They are like my music family. I love the music we play and the challenge it offers. I also really enjoy to tours and residentials.

More Than Just Music

As well as playing together, Fresh Aire! band members have the same opportunities as Hot Aire! band members to participate in the organised tours abroad, weekends away and tutorial sessions. There are also social events, including walks, ceilidhs, and trips to the theatre, which give everyone an opportunity to get to know each other and to make new friends.

Our international tours have given us the opportunity to play music in Ireland, Germany, Holland, and a number of other destinations. They’re a highly acclaimed part of the Hot Aire! calendar and one of the most unique aspects of the band.