A community brass band with members from across East Devon is on the lookout for a musical director.

The East Devon Day Time Band was set up in March 2017 for musicians who wanted to play and perform brass band arrangements during the day rather than in the evening.

It progressed ‘in leaps and bounds’, according to Sidmouth-based chairman Trevor Heynes, and before the pandemic, had performed at several local events, entertained residents of care homes and raised around £700 for local charities through its Easter Hymning and Christmas Carolling performances.

Last year the band had been due to play at Dalwood Coffee Morning, the Beer 2014 Group, Woodbury Royal British Legion VE Day and Tipton St John Playing Field Association. Three of these would have been paid-for performances, but all were cancelled because of Covid.

The band is now meeting again every Monday morning in Tipton St John, and has members from Honiton, Dalwood, Sidmouth, Newton Poppleford, Exmouth, Ottery St Mary, West Hill, Whimple and Exeter.

Current players are also involved with other local community bands including Ottery St Mary Silver Band, Honiton Town Band, Exmouth Band, Lympstone Academy Brass, Sidmouth Training Band, Devon & Cornwall Fire Brigade Band and Devon & Cornwall Salvation Army Bands.

The band’s motto is ‘aiming for continuous improvement whilst at the same time having fun.'

Mr Heynes said four new players have joined since Covid restrictions were eased, and the Monday rehearsals regularly have 10 players attending.

He said: “Accordingly, the Band has now reached an important landmark where it needs to appoint someone with musical experience, preferably brass, to take on board EDDB's musical leadership - be that in the post of a conductor or MD; ie a non-playing musical leader.

“The position would also provide an opportunity for someone with musical experience who wishes to enter the field as a conductor/MD.

“We are therefore seeking an experienced musician to help improve the Band's musical performance but who crucially can deliver this whilst maintaining the informal, relaxed and social atmosphere within the Band.”

Anyone interested is invited to call Mr Heynes on 01395 708776 or email trevor.heynes@gmail.com