The 51st State Band is one of the largest youth concert bands in London, providing big opportunities for musicians between 7 and 18 years old, in and around the London Borough of Wandsworth. We've proved, over several years, that playing in a band is the best way for children and young musicians to make fast progress. The music we play is fun, exciting, and often challenging. Our players have to work hard, but we think the results are worth it! Read more about the band's objectives here
NEXT CONCERT:
22 MARCH 2010
ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
BOOK TICKETS HERE
Call 07973 631203
info@51ststateband.org
The band meets at:
St Stephens Church
Manfred Road
East Putney
London SW15
Thursday evenings
during school term times:
Band 1: 5pm-6pm
Band 2: 6pm-7.15pm (grade 4+)
NEXT REHAERSALS START:
14 January 2010
NEW! Now you can watch videos of the 51st State Band!
VIDEOS OF PRACTICES:
VIDEOS OF CONCERTS:
CURRENT PROGRAMME | Anything Goes | Abba | Bohemian Rhapsody | Believe (from Polar Express) | Miss Saigon | Star Wars | Legend of Zorro | The Godfather | Harry at Hogwarts | Rocky | Eye of the Tiger |
“I am writing this, as I would just like to say a massive big thank you to youas you have been totally amazing to me over the last few years and the 51st State Band has helped me so much with my flute playing, If it wasn't for the encouragment and hard work you put into me i don't think I will be here now. As you know I got a full music scholarship into the Purcell School and I start tommorow. I am totally excited beyond belief. Thank you thank you thank you and thank you a million times once again for everything. You are like totally amazing at what you do and making us happy through music!! I would love to one day come back and do something with the band.”
— Davinya Cooper
“Congratulations! Last night's concert was a triumph! Thank you for all that you did to ensure that the children performed so well and enjoyed their music so much! It was wonderful to see, and hear, such a large and appreciative audience and the sense of achievement that the children will have from performing so well and receiving so much applause will stay with them for a long time! It really was an excellent evening.”
— Tim Willets, Head of Curriculum, Professional, Governor and Leadership Development for London Borough of Wandsworth
“A huge congratulations to you all for a wonderful, well presented and musical performance at the Royal Festival Hall. James, Mark Mondesir, Mark Hodgson and I were all impressed and very proud of the way you all conducted yourselves. Most of all you made the music sing! Congratulations to you all on a job well done and I look forward to working with you all again very soon.”
— Julian Joseph
“Congratulations on your outstanding achievement with the 51st State Band. A truly awesome sound produced by two very dedicated and inspiring directors.”
“If my eleven-year-old can do this, he can do anything!”
“Band is brilliant fun and my playing has really improved.”
“Many congratulations on producing such a wonderful concert... I really wasn’t sure what to expect but I was overwhelmed by the whole event... I think these children are exceptionally fortunate to take part in a band of this calibre.”
“What a thrill to perform in a proper theatre!”
HELP A LONDON CHILD... DREAM TO PLAY THE SAXOPHONE. Help a London Child provides financial support to grass-root projects for London’s less advantaged children. The organisation recently awarded 51st State Band a grant for our saxophone project. Find out more about their projects here.
The new Jack Petchey Award winner is Jake Long, who with his commitment and dedication towards music has brought a new vibrancy and popularity to the rhythm section of the 51st State Band. Jake will spend the £200 reward on buying new percussion instruments for this section. Pictured here with Jake is Guy Henry who gave out the awards at the 51st State Band concert at Putney Arts Theatre. Guy Henry is a familiar face in the British acting scene and is currently filming as the new Minister of Magic in the last two Harry Potter films.
The Jack Petchey Foundation is a young, progressive grant making Trust based in Ilford Essex.