Oxford University Brass Band
Manager: Eleanor Keyworth
Do you audition?
We hold informal auditions to determine seating, but you're guaranteed a place - anyone is welcome to come along to OUBB:)
What is the usual rehearsal schedule?
We rehearse every Sunday 8-10pm in the Dennis Arnold Hall in the Music Faculty. (Come to the door and we’ll let you in!)
What's the conductor like?
We have two wonderful student conductors - Esme Harper and Joe Sollis are music students from Oriel and Christ Church respectively, and we cannot wait to work with them
When do you perform?
OUBB plays at least one concert every term, but also competes in UniBrass
Where can I buy tickets for the next concert?
Keep an eye on our socials!
Winners of UniBrass 2023 Shield Contest, the Oxford University Brass Band society (OUBB) is a full sized student brass band based in central Oxford. The band was founded in 2005, and now has about 30 regular banders. They rehearse on Sunday evenings in the Music Faculty, and we perform termly concerts at prestigious venues throughout Oxford, including St John’s auditorium and even, that’s right, The Sheldonian. We also compete annually at the UniBrass competition, a musical and social highlight of the year. Did we mention we won in 2023?
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Recent concert programs have included some brass band “classics” including Bugler’s Holiday, Flowerdale (performed by James McQueen on Sop) and Life on Mars (performed in our winning UniBrass 2023 program) The band also plays for the Oxford Christmas Lantern Festival each year.
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Although the band is run primarily for students, anyone is welcome to join. Although the standard is high, the advantage of a brass band is that a large number of parts requiring different skill bases exist – meaning there is a seat for everyone (yes – even you!). Informal auditions are held at the start of each term to determine seats, but players are guaranteed a place whatever! They can also be arranged mid-term if necessary. We will also hold short auditions for any players wishing to hold a principal seat in the band.
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We are a fun group with a focus on the family element which is central to brass-banding. Rehearsals are upbeat and friendly, and always include a trip to the pub afterwards for a chat! We play a diverse range of repertoire which keeps OUBB exciting. Our repertoire is challenging, but, with a variety of sections, everyone can get involved!
OUBB Exec Committee
The key people behind the scenes of OUBB - get in touch with any questions!
OUBB Socials
