Warwick Corps of Drums (popularly known as the Warwick Show Band) is a registered charity (registered number 510895). Our aim is stated in our constitution and is “to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music”. We achieve this by performing and competing across the UK and Europe.

We are based at the Westend Centre next to the football club and near the racecourse on Hampton Road in Warwick.

THE JUNIOR BAND

Our junior band practices on Wednesday evenings between 6.30 and 8.30. It is suitable for girls aged between 8 and 11 or older girls wanting to gain some experience before joining the senior band. Its aim is to provide a fun but disciplined environment in which younger girls can learn to play and perform music. No experience is necessary although girls who are having music lessons at school on brass or woodwind are particularly encouraged to join. Contact us for more information.

THE SENIOR BAND

Our senior band practices on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 and 9.00 and on Sundays between 11.00 and 13.00. In the summer season extended weekend practices are common. It is suitable for girls aged between 11 and 25.

Its aim is to provide a challenging environment in which music and a marching show are perfected and learned by heart and then performed in a competition arena. The girls are supported and taught by Junior Leaders as well as the Musical Director and other staff. Like the junior band, no experience is necessary but experienced brass, woodwind and percussion players along with dancers are particularly welcome.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BAND

Warwick Corps of Drums was formed in 1979 by Ron Everett who had previously led the Kenilworth Guides band. Ron and his wife Jo put a great deal of their lives into making the band a success and providing a fun, safe and educational hobby for young girls in the Warwick and Leamington area. Over the years many hundreds of girls and young women have performed in the band.

Great strides were also made in turning the once derelict Westend Centre into a valuable community asset. With the financial support of the District Council and the Henry VIII Charity the building now has two halls, a conference room, several classrooms, a garage, a kitchen and showers. The building hosts community events such as karate and bingo and is the home of the Sarah Louise Dance Academy. As well as being the location for regular car boots, the site is regularly hired by caravan clubs.

In 2005 and after more than 25 years of work, Ron Everett took a back seat in running the charity and the senior band. The band is now run by our management committee headed by Corps Director Barbara Leach.