The Penzance Youth Wind Band was set up in 1974 by its' first musical director, Elizabeth Robertson. Initially it served the populations of the Boys and Girls Grammar Schools, but over the years it has broadened its' catchment, encompassing all the schools in Penwith, and beyond.

After several musical directors and hundreds of young players the Band is still going strong!

We rehearse every state school Wednesday at Penzance Junior School, and throughout the year we attend several community functions and charity fundraisers, entertaining the public with our music.

Formidably aided by a dedicated team of parents, the band is supported by The Cornwall Music Service.

There are opportunities for all young players to join, no previous ensemble experience necessary. Reasonable reading skills most helpful and enthusiasm essential!

Check out the PYJazz page and see what some of us do when we're not playing orchestral wind music.

The membership of the PYWB is open to local musicians aged between 10-19 years.

Instrumental ability is also taken into account of course, but as an educational ensemble we do not insist upon high Grades or previous experience.

What are the constituents of a wind band?

Instrumentation for the PYWB consists of the following family groups:

Woodwind:

Flutes/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinets, Bassoon and Saxophones.

Brass:  

Trumpets/Cornets/Flugelhorns, French Horns, Trombones, Euphonium and Tuba.

Percussion:
There are many facets to the section. Drum Kit, Tuned (glockenspiel, xylophone, bells), a massive array of Handheld instruments and, of course, Timpani.

A final addition to any fine Wind Band is a String Bass, which completes the ensembles' unique and varied palette of timbres.