Community band marks 15 years of music and connection

The idea was to be a music group that was immersed in the local community, playing at local events, engaging and connecting with other community groups.

Fifteen years, we have done this even more than I could ever have envisaged.

Over the years, the way we have done things has dramatically changed.

Steve Lees always wanted to develop a music group that was immersed in the local community (Image: HVPA)

In the early days, we would play for free, at events such as St George's Day, Remembrance Day and Christmas events.

Doing this allowed us to start making contacts and relationships with other community groups.

As our reputation grew, we were then able to run our own events and invite other groups to take part.

Now, in 2026, with HVPA being firmly established in the community, we are able to take what we do directly to the public and other groups every week.

We make all of our weekly rehearsal sessions fully open for anyone to attend as well as tailored sessions for other groups such as care homes and youth groups.

Now, why is this so important?

Many studies have proven that listening or playing music has a real benefit to people’s mental health.

Members of the public are welcome to go along and watch the band rehearse (Image: HVPA)

This works not only for those attending our sessions to listen but also for our own band members and science backs this up.

• Listening to music reduces the stress hormone, slowing your heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
• Engaging with music drives feelings of pleasure and happiness.
• Lyrics can help you identify and articulate confusing feelings. Music can also amplify emotions for a healthy release or quiet an overactive mind.
• Music playing or singing engages your entire brain. It provides a full mental workout that distracts from negative thoughts, builds self-confidence and uses problem solving skills.
• Maybe most importantly, music brings people together. whether attending a concert or being in a music group, it helps reduce isolation and builds a sense of community.

You only have to attend one of our sessions to see that this is true.

Care home residents that attend up dancing and singing. The big smiles of the disabled children when we take our sessions to them.

Experience this for yourself, come along to one of our regular Monday evening sessions at Ripple Hall. We play between 8pm and 10pm. Have a listen with a free cup of tea and biscuit.

We would love to see you there!

• Steve Lees is the musical director of High Voltage Performance Arts (hvpa.org.uk).