Welcome!

Welcome to the site of the 3rd Molesey (Matravers) Scout & Guide Band.

We are a drum and bugle marching band attached to the scout group with members of all ages. We meet on a Friday evening between 7pm and 9pm, so if you would like to join us you will be very welcome to come along. You can also contact us by email; band@3rdmoleseyscouts.org.uk .

New members required

The band is currently looking for new members. If you have ever wanted to learn to play an instrument then this could be your chance! We play a variety of instruments in the band; bugles, snare drums, tenor drums, bell lyres, and cymbals. You will need to be a member of either the cubs, brownies, scouts, guides or explorers to join us. We meet every week on a Friday night, so please contact us at band@3rdmoleseyscouts.org.uk if you are interested.

What do we play?

The band teaches its members how to play a number of instruments. Click on the links to see an image of each one and to hear the sound that it makes:

• Bugle (Image / Sound)
• Snare Drum (Image / Sound)
• Tenor Drum (Image / Sound)
• Bass Drum (Image / Sound)
• Cymbals (Image / Sound)
• Bell Lyre (Image / Sound)

Bugle

The bugle that we play in the band is a traditional army marching bugle. With practice it can be played to achieve combinations of 5 notes (although skilled players may be able to play more than that). The bugle is tuned to the key of B flat. A cord/rope is wound around the bugle to allow it to be carried over the shoulder when marching. Playing a bugle requires practice, strong lips, and plenty of breath! Many of our band members will start on this instrument before progressing onto others. The bugle is often played by a group of band members to create harmonies.

Snare Drum

We have a series of snare drums which are played by a small group of drummers in the band. The snare drum is carried in a sling which hangs diagonally across the body and rests on one leg at the side. The drum is played using two wooden drumsticks, one in each hand. Due to the angle at which the drum hangs in the sling, the drummer carries the left drumstick with the palm of their hand facing upwards, whilst the right drumstick is played with the palm of the hand face down. The drumstick is lifted and struck on the surface of the drum (known as the "skin") to create a sharp tapping sound. A series of metal wires (called "snares") are stretched across the underside of the drum to give the drum a sharp sound. Without the snares the drum produces the more traditional hollow sound. There are a series of levers on the drum which enable it to be played with or without the snares touching the skin, producing different sounds. Playing a drum requires a lot of practice, a good sense of rhythm, and supple wrists. In addition to playing the combinations of rhythms on the drum, the drummer will occasionally lift the drumsticks up to their face to produce a visual spectacle as well as an audible display. The drum can be quite heavy to carry, so is generally played by our more experienced members.

Tenor Drum

The tenor drum is a larger drum than the snare drum, but is still carried in a sling supported across one shoulder. The larger internal area of the drum produces a deeper sound than the snare drum. The tenor drum also has no snares, so produces a hollow sound. The drumsticks for a tenor drum have soft padded ends to produce a softer sound. The sticks have cords on the end which are wound around the fingers to stop them from slipping out of the drummer's hands. In addition to playing the drum, experienced tenor drummers will twirl the sticks in patterns when they are not beating the drum, this is called "flourishing" and requires a lot of practice. The tenor drum is heavier than a snare drum, so is generally played by our larger band members.

Bass Drum

The bass drum is a very large drum that is worn in front of the player in a big harness. The bass drummer can then beat the drum from the sides using a pair of sticks similar to those used by tenor drummers. Due to the large size of the drum it produces a very loud and deep sound, which is used to maintain the tempo (speed) of the music played by the entire band. The role of a bass drummer is very important, because the entire band listens to the beat of the drum to ensure they are all marching and playing at the same pace. The bass drum is very heavy!

Cymbals

The cymbalists are the last member of the percussion section of the band, which produce a "crashing" sound to complement the rest of the band. Depending on how the cymbals are played, they can produce a long ringing sound or a short sharp crash. Combinations of these sounds can be used to great effect. Cymbal players can also "flourish" while playing, and the shiny surface of the cymbal can produce a spectacular sight. Cymbals are often played by younger members of the band, because they are lighter to carry.

Bell Lyre

The bell lyre is essentially a portable glockenspiel which is arranged in the shape of a harp. It is carried in a sling and supported on a vertical post which is fitted to the bottom of the harp shaped frame. The bell lyre consists of may metal bars which are mounted horizontally to the frame and each tuned to each play a different musical note when struck with a hard handheld beater. The player will support the bell lyre with on hand whilst playing the instrument with the other. The full musical scale is available giving the bell lyre player a greater range of tunes compared to a bugle, which has only a limited number of notes. The bell lyre can be quote complex to learn, but when played well can produce some very detailed and melodic tunes. The band has a series of bell lyres of different sizes, enabling it to be played by both young and old band members.