Join Hot Aire!

Why Join Hot Aire!?

Hot Aire! is always open to new members. We cater for musicians of grade three and above who are looking for the opportunity to enhance their skills, participate in performances and build friendships. If you’re not at this standard you should check out our training band, Fresh Aire!

In addition to the joy of making music playing in a band is a great way to boost confidence, self esteem, improve your mental health and be part of a unique community. We are a relaxed, fun band and we don’t ask for a weekly commitment.

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

What We’re About

Our Rehearsals

If you play brass, woodwind, or percussion you’d be a great fit for Hot Aire! Our relaxed and low pressure rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings in Saltaire, Shipley. We share all parts equally amongst the players in each section so that everyone gets a chance to play music that’s appropriate for them. If you are new to playing in a band, our more experienced members will be more than happy to help you if desired.

We feel being part of a band is more than playing music. In addition to preparing for upcoming concerts we also have a break during rehearsals where band members can socialise and catch up with one another.

What We Play

Our extensive library features a wide range of contemporary music including popular hits, film soundtracks and theatrical productions. Examples include Les Miserables, Earth, Wind and Fire, Cry of the Last Unicorn and Bad Habits.

Our performance diary is very active and includes performing at events around the area such as Harrogate Flower Show, Remembrance Sunday in Myrtle Park, local care homes, bandstands and churches.

As a charity we also organise fundraising concerts for causes such as Children In Need and Marie Curie. Often this will be in partnership with other music groups such as Bradford Accordion Band, Hall Royd Brass Band, and local choirs including Bradford and Airedale Youth Choir, Ilkley Youth Choir and Ilkley Stage Singers.

In Our Musical Director’s Words

I want to make Hot Aire! a safe space for early intermediate musicians to enjoy playing music and socialising with likeminded people. I ensure that players’ wellbeing is at the front and centre of Hot Aire!’s ethos because without the players there isn’t a band to begin with.

By cultivating an environment without pressure or the need to commit to weekly rehearsals, I have found players attend more often than they would have otherwise. If people come to see their friends they will also come to play. You can lose yourself in the music for an hour and half and then carry on without commitment.

Stephen Bradnum – Conductor and Musical Director

What Our Members Think

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.
Chris
Clarinet
It’s a safe place to play. You’re encouraged to have a go and there is no pressure or criticism if you make a mistake or don’t understand the music. It has given me the opportunity to develop as a musician and I have achieved more than I ever thought I was capable of.
Mick
Tenor Sax
I enjoy the playing, the constant challenge of new pieces, a friendly group of people

More Than Just Music

As well as playing together the band has organised many tours abroad, weekends away and tutorial sessions with occasional social events, including walks, ceilidhs and trips to the theatre. These events and trips all help members 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 are a highly acclaimed part of the Hot Aire! calendar and one of the most unique aspects of the band.