Formed in 1976, Sandwich Music Group has been providing a platform for local musicians for over 45 years to not only revel in the joys of making music together, but raise money for worthy causes at the same time.
After a COVID-caused hiatus left the band unable to meet up in full capacity for the best part of two years, the welcoming group are happy to be back playing and are planning events for the coming year.
We caught up with Chris Farra, who has been the conductor of Sandwich Music Group since 2011, having previously been a player, to find out the joys of being involved in the group and what’s planned for 2022.
“We haven’t been able to do much over the last two years, but we usually put on a couple concerts a year at The United Reform Church and some other venues to raise money for local causes. All profits from the concerts go to the charity and we’ve supported so many charities since we started such as Headway, Porchlight, Help for Heroes, disaster appeals, local play parks, schools, Kent Association for the Blind and more.
“We are completely non-profit making and we try to focus on local fundraising where we can. Before Christmas we hold a carol café where you pop in, buy a cup of tea, have a mince pie and singalong if you like, we usually do our Christmas appeal on behalf of the Salvation Army.”
Where and when do you usually meet as a group and why should local readers think about getting involved?
“We meet on Wednesdays in term time in the United Reform Church from 7:15pm-9pm and woodwind, brass and strings players are all welcome.
“We play anything from 15th to the 21st century, and we aim for a mix of different styles and eras as well as a couple of audience participation songs at the end of our concerts.
“A lot of people might play the violin or flute and play pieces at home alone but it’s the joys of playing music together. There’s not as much opportunity once you’ve left school or university, someone has described our group as a bit like a school band for grown-ups, we’re a small friendly informal amateur group, everybody learns from each other. It provides the opportunity for people to pass on tips and advice and help out with tricky sections.
“We always welcome new members with no entry requirements, however, we are currently looking for a piano accompanist who has had previous experience.”