The Flowers Band is based in Gloucester and is now in its 55th year. It was formed in 1968 as a result of the disbandment of the Royal Gloucester Hussars (Territorial Army) Brass Band. After negotiation with the Ministry of Defence, the instruments were purchased and most of the former R.G.H. bandsmen, together with other local players, formed the City of Gloucester Band. Since then the band has had a variety of sponsors including Whitbread in the Community and Flowers Brewery.

The Flowers Band have won many accolades including 2007 ‘Champion Band of the West of England’, wins at the Grand Shield, French Open, five victories at Butlins Mineworkers Championships, a hat-trick of wins at Yeovil, six Area titles and third place at the Brass in Concert Championships in 2019, 2021 and 2023. 

The Flowers Band records regularly for Radio 2’s ‘Listen To The Band’ and has appeared on BBC 1’s ‘Songs of Praise’. Flowers have recorded several CD’s, A Bouquet From Flowers (1992), Wonders Of The World (2004), The Incredible PolySteel Band (2007), Celebration (2018), plus numerous other recordings with Brett Baker (principal trombone, Black Dyke Band) and Aspirations with Shoichiro Hokazono. They have also appeared as guest artists with British electronica duo Goldfrapp on their Mercury Music Prize nominated album “Felt Mountain”.

Gloucestershire Boys' Choir is a choir for boys in school years 3 to 11 conducted by countertenor, conductor and educator Ben Sawyer. We explore a wide variety of different styles and genres and provide memorable performance opportunities. Rehearsals take place  fortnightly in term time, usually on a Sunday afternoon. Junior Boys (school years 3-6) meet from 4.30-5.20pm, and Senior Boys (school years 7-11) from 5.10-6pm.

The choir provides a safe space to guide boys through voice change and give them the skills and confidence to keep singing into adulthood.

Singing is hugely beneficial for health and well-being, and academic achievement. And it's great fun! There is no audition; the only requirements are a love of singing, and an ability to carry a melody. 

In addition to our own concerts, the boys have participated in 'A Christmas Cracker' in Cheltenham Town Hall, the Three Choirs Festival, a project in Worcester cathedral and a performance with one of Ben's other choirs 'Hanley Voices'.

Rehearsals are usually charged on a termly basis. Concession for siblings. If your son  needs financial support to join the choir, this will also be considered on a case by case basis. 

Gloucestershire Boys' Choir is grateful for the support of Brimpsfield Music Society

Nethra Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) is an academy conducting Indian performing arts - Bharatanatyam (Classical Dance), Carnatic Vocal (Music), Mirudagam (Instrument) and Bollywood Dance.   The main ethos of the academy is to raise the profile of Indian performing arts and to help individuals connect with the Indian culture which has a rich history and tradition in dance and music. NAPA’s main objectives are to mentor and coach the current and future generations in the Indian performing arts, bring communities together for the benefit of all, and involve communities and individuals of all ethnic backgrounds, culture and religion.

NAPA's journey started in January 2018 from just handful of students and it has organically grown. They are running classes in GAM  (Gloucester) on Sunday's and teaching online for students as far as from India. 

NAPA is organising various events in Gloucester/Cheltenham to create a platform for their students and other local artists to show their talent to the wider communities and to build up their confidence to learn the art forms.

To enrol or for more details, please contact:

Dr Gayathiri Gowri Shankar - 07554004795 Mr Gowri Shankar Kothandaraman - 07556585423

admin@nethraacademy.co.uk

Facebook and Instagram: NAPA

Gloucestershire LAMDA Tuition was founded by Helen Di Tomaso, an established LAMDA Speech and Drama Teacher with over ten years of experience of delivering the LAMDA curriculum in Gloucestershire schools.

Helen has a Teaching Diploma in Speech and Drama Education from The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art  (LAMDA) and an Honours Degree in Theatre from the Guildford School of Acting.

At GAM, Helen’s team aim to offer LAMDA Speech and Drama tuition in a nurturing environment. All students are encouraged to find their voice and reach their full potential.

The benefits of LAMDA tuition are cross-curricular and can:

• Improve standards in communication through the spoken word.
• Foster an appreciation of literature, poetry, and drama.
• Support the creative, intellectual, and social development of the individual as a whole.

LAMDA Tuition at GAM includes acting, verse and prose speaking, performing Shakespearean monologues, public speaking and musical theatre performances. Plus, Pre-school drama coming soon! 

In addition to LAMDA examination preparation, pupils enjoy performing at local festivals across the Southwest.

07810207269 Facebook: ‘Helen Di Tomaso Drama Teacher’