Sound of Music

Welcome to our February music page. Here you will find information on local musical events, upcoming concerts and where to find the best music tuition in the area.

Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunities for budding musicians who wish to join together with other like-minded people. From bands to choirs to bell ringing! We also host a huge variety of annual musical events.

The Spread Eagle - ‘Jazzin Thame’ will be hosting a wonderful evening of live jazz music at The Spread Eagle Hotel (located in the centre of Thame) on Thursday 23rd February, 8:00pm –10:00pm.

The Hugh Turner Quartet will be entertaining you with their highly acclaimed and foot tapping set, guaranteed to blow away the winter blues!

Reading based guitarist, Hugh Turner, is one of the UK’s finest exponents of fund jazz. His guitar playing is forthright, bluesy edged and highly rhythmic. Hugh will be performing a mix of his funk repertoire along with some well know jazz classics to provide and evening of high-octane music that will have you itching to move, tap or grab your air guitar! In addition to this, Hugh will be joined by high accomplished musicians Matt Potts (Pianist & organist), Paul Jeffries (Bass guitar) and

Steve Wyndham (Drums) to create an inspiring set of songs. Tickets are priced at £16 per person on a first come/first served basis.

For further information and to book tickets please visit The Spread Eagle Thame website.

Village Voices, Towersey - Village Voices is a community singing group. They sing songs from many genres from all over the world including; traditional, folk, pop, ballads, gospel, jazz and blues. They practise the songs using ‘listening and copying’ techniques, simple rounds and chants to glorious harmony singing!

Sarah Westcott, the music director, also leads ‘Sounds Fun!’ community choir in Oxford and believes everyone can sing. All are welcome to join and the choir has singers of all ages and both male and female, though they could do with some more men! They have been running since 2009 and do perform at local events including; Towersey Festival, Towersey Fete and Christmas events in Oxford and Chinnor.

If you are interested in joining this fantastic local group they meet every Wednesday evening at Towersey Memorial Hall between 7:30pm – 9:30pm. The charge is £5.00 per week,

£1.00 for students, and your first visit is free! The choir does take some breaks over the summer, Christmas, New Year and Easter.

For further information please contact the group via this e-mail address: Villagevoices.towersey@gmail.com or via their website: www.villagevoicestowersey.com

Thame Concert Band - Thame

Concert Band was formed in 1993 by a small group of local musicians. They pride themselves on being a community band and regularly, in normal times, take part in some of the biggest events in Thame, including Remembrance Sunday and Christmas Carols around the tree.

They have a substantial and varied repertoire and perform several of their our own concerts each year alongside events in Thame. This includes the Last Night Of The Proms concert which is always popular!

The band have grown considerably since their formation in 1993 and now boast around 30 regular members - although they are always keen to welcome new musicians!

Currently, TCB are supporting Thame Day Centre, a local charity.

For further information and also if you are interested in joining please visit: www.thameconcertband.com or search for ‘Thame Concert Band’ on Facebook.

Clockwork Music - This is a fantastic local group for babies and toddlers to enjoy a variety of music and related sensory activities.

Clockwork Music offer independent music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in Thame, Oxford, Abingdon, Headington and Kennington. Tock the Clock and Brown Bear are at the heart of every class and they feature in the groups core songs, these provide structure within the weekly classes. Children love to wind Tock and Clock and watch him choose the special song of the week!

A few of the many attributes of Clockwork Music are:

- Age specific curriculum written and delivered by qualified and experienced music teachers.

- Four separate age groups are offered on a weekly basis.

- A large variety of musical instruments are available to use during sessions.

- Interactive and sensory props to engage babies and young children.

- Fun and interactive classes for both children and the adults to enjoy!

Regular Local Live Music

The First Thursday Music Club

FTMC have now moved home, after 10 great years at the Stables behind the James Figg pub they have now relocated to a bigger room at Thame Snooker Club in central Thame. The room can hold a lot more people, there is a stage and room for instruments, the artists, and the sound guys. The club have their own dedicated bar and loos. There is also ample free parking right outside.

The dates are on the first Thursday of each month. Please search ‘The First Thursday Music Club’ via Facebook for further information.

This feature is brought to you by Simon Markland of Thame Music Academy

Tel: 07743 032292

Email: info@thamemusicacademy.com

Web page: www.thamemusicacademy.com