The Learner Course
Learn to play a musical instrument!
​
Bristol Concert Wind Band runs a three-year course which helps adults from 18 to 118 learn a wind, brass or percussion instrument from the very beginning in a friendly, supportive environment. All music is provided and we have an instrument loan scheme or can give advice on hiring or buying an instrument. We'll even teach you how to read music!
​
Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Drums, Glockenspiel / Xylophone
We currently have one group in year 3 of their course, run by Heather Platt, who will graduate in September 2026.
Fresh Winds (Started September 2023)
Tutored by Heather Platt
Rehearses 7:30 - 9:30pm Every Friday at Bethesda Independent Methodist Church, Staple Hill BS16 4QG
Beginner Level
The new course started on Friday 15th September 2023 for absolute beginners, with the focus on encouraging people into playing brass, double-reed and percussion instruments, however other players are also welcome!
The group rehearses every Friday at Bethesda Independent Methodist Church.
​
If you are interested in joining or would like further information please get in contact with us.
Where We Rehearse
About Heather Platt
A multi-instrumentalist who did her first teaching at a Saturday Music School under the direction of her tutor as a young music student.
Through her 20s Heather focused on being a young mum and running a family home so, apart from some earnings from street performances, most of her music sharing & playing was for the everyday joy of it. About a decade later she started to teach individual lessons at home.
During the 1990s she formed, played in and ran the “Cwm-Rhyd Ensemble”, a baroque recorder group. She also spent over 5 years running and conducting “The Aeron Teify Flute Band”. All this was in South Wales where she continued with private tuition of several instruments and of Music Theory along with teaching at a summer music camp for 2 years. During that time she added to her qualifications with an Adult Certificate of Education.
In the past two decades she moved to South Gloucester spending time training in Music Therapy whilst working with young people in special education and in summer play schemes. She has also had therapeutic work placements with the NAS and with a club for adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Amongst all of this and tutoring Fresh Winds Heather also plays French Horn in Blown Away!
Fees
The standard fee for members of the learner course is £6 per week. As a not-for-profit organisation this fee covers the cost of tuition, rehearsal venue hire and investment in sheet music, instruments and any other equipment that is required.
A Few Photos of Us
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |