WASO Concert Information

[King, Simon]

Dear Parents,

This week we have both of our concerts. Please note that there will be no rehearsals at Henry Beaufort this Wednesday or for the rest of this term. The next rehearsal will take place on 7th January 2026.

As a 'non-school' organisation giving under16s the opportunity to perform to a paying audience, we now find ourselves bound by the statutory requirements of BOPA (Body Of Persons Approval).  This is overseen by the Brass Bands England under the National Body of Persons approval, we are required to adhere to some new protocols. This will mean that things will not run exactly as they have at previous concerts.

 

Please read the following carefully and share with your children.

• Arrival & Sign-In: Every student must sign in at the manned desk in the foyer upon arrival.
• Backstage Protocol: After signing in, students should go directly to their ensemble dressing rooms and remain backstage until the end of the concert. This means that we cannot release children back to you during any 'downtime' and during the interval.
• End of Concert: At the conclusion of the performance, students will return to their dressing rooms with their conductors. They must be signed out by a parent/guardian before leaving. Instructions for how and where to collect children will be given at the end of the concert.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Rehearsal Schedule

Please arrive promptly. Rehearsal time is limited, and students must be seated and ready to begin at the scheduled start time.

Wednesday 26th November – WASTO / WAYSE / WYO

• 5:30pm – WASTO
• 5:55pm – WAYSE
• 6:20pm – WYO
• 7:00pm – Clear Stage
• 7:30pm – Concert

Thursday 27th November – Concert Band / Wind Band / Introductory Band

• 5:30pm – Concert Band (Percussionists arrive at 5:00pm)
• 6:00pm – Wind Band
• 6:45pm – Introductory Band
• 7:00pm – Clear Stage
• 7:30pm – Concert

Students may bring a packed tea if required. Please note: no nuts or kiwi due to allergies.

 

Behaviour & Venue Guidelines

• Excellent standards of behaviour are expected at all WASO events.
• Rooms allocated at Thornden Hall are for meeting only. Please do not touch school equipment and ensure rooms are left free of litter.
• Students may bring something quiet to occupy themselves while waiting. They may remain in their changing rooms or sit quietly in the concert hall during rehearsals. Children will not be permitted to leave the building. Staff and parent helpers will be supervising.
• Parents: once you have dropped your children off for rehearsals, you must leave Thornden Hall and return in time for the concert. The venue is not open to the public during rehearsals. Doors open at 7:00pm.

 

Concert Uniform Requirements

NO TRAINERS please! If in doubt, please wear school shoes.

WASO Boys

• WASO polo shirt
• Black trousers (not jeans)
• Black socks
• Black polished shoes

WASO Girls

• WASO polo shirt
• Black skirt (appropriate length) with black tights OR black trousers (not jeans)
• Black socks
• Black polished shoes

WYO Boys

• Plain black long-sleeved shirt
• Black trousers (not jeans)
• Black socks
• Black polished shoes

WYO Girls

• All black: either a long black dress OR black top with black skirt (appropriate length) and black tights/shoes OR black top with black trousers (not jeans), black socks, black polished shoes

 

 

This email has been sent on behalf of the WASO Director Jamie Langridge

 

Kind regards

 

Simon King

WASO Administrator

Hampshire Music Service
(Lead partner of the Hampshire Music Education Hub)
Bar End Road

Winchester

SO23 9NR
( 023 8065 2037
www.hants.gov.uk/hms