We are Gillingham Imperial Silver Band, or GISB for short, a 4th section brass band based in Gillingham, Dorset. The Main band practice on Friday nights from 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm and we also run an Academy that practices on Tuesday evenings from 6.00 pm - 6:45 pm for beginners and from 6.30 to 7.20 pm for the next level up.
We're always looking for new players to join the Main band and those that wish to learn to play, of any age.
With the exception of 1914 – 1927, there has been a band in Gillingham since the mid-19th century. This began initially as a Jazz Band supporting local charities and hospitals. In 1928 this developed into the town band as we know it today with the title ‘Gillingham Imperial Silver Band’. The band has continually played a role in the community, participating in civic events, fetes, carnivals, concerts, church services, carolling, and contests. In particular contesting has featured as a major activity and the band has, on four occasions, qualified to play in the national finals.
Many past members have gone on to become music teachers and professional musicians. This includes five ex-members of the band playing together in the Devon and Dorset Regimental Military Band. Other successes are Robert Smith who trained at the Royal Academy of Music and went on to major Director of Music appointments; David Pearce who became Principal Cornet of the National Youth Band and achieved Principal Trumpet in the Royal Air Force Band; Graeme Lewis who is a professional trumpeter and conductor in the Bristol and Wessex area; Malcolm Read who went on to train at the Kneller Hall School of Music and then to a career in military bands; and finally Colin Hudson who is now a successful trombonist and instructor in the Royal Marines Band.