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Hoping to drum up an instructor
Thursday September 18th 2008. Posted: 09:30
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The Fareham Scout Band at last year’s centenary celebrations
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Phil Goddard may be edging his way towards his goal of replacing all the old instruments in the Fareham Scout Band, but he’s no closer to finding a drumming instructor.
Band leader Phil has tried everything to track down a coach for the percussionists, so far without success. He said: “It’s getting frustrating because the drummers in the band are having to teach themselves at the moment. They’d enjoy it all the more if I could find someone with suitable experience to give them some proper tuition.” Phil, a solutions designer with BT Design, has been a member of the band since its formation in 1981 and its leader for the last five years. Soon after taking over, he set an ambitious goal of replacing all the band’s instruments, most of which were second hand when the band started. He’s also having to buy several new instruments for the many new band members who have joined in the last three years or so. He’s been helped in this by a £500 grant from BT Community Champions - the fourth donation the company has made to support his voluntary work. Phil said: “We’ve almost doubled the size of the band in the last few years and now have more than 30 members. We cater for players of all abilities and ages, from eight upwards. Most are also members of cubs and scout groups in the Fareham area. “BT’s support is invaluable in helping us to keep up with the purchase of new instruments. The latest grant went towards buying some additional bell lyras.” As well as being its leader, Phil also plays and teaches the bugle with the Fareham band which is one of only a handful of scout marching bands in the country. It makes regular appearances at local carnivals and fetes, and also leads the town’s St George’s Parade and sounds Last Post and Reveille for Remembrance Day. For more information, visit the band’s website.
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Last updated:
08:56