Just curious. I wonder how many SA Band players are not soldiers in your area. There are only two SA Bands currently active in SoCal, Pasadena Tabernacle and Tustin Ranch Corps, that I can find. Does anyone in SoCal know of any other Corps that currently have Brass Bands? The two bands I have found require their members to be active soldiers. When I marched in the 2000 Rose Parade the Festival Band allowed what the call adherents. That is why the Festival Band wears red tunics instead of blue. <EMOJI seq="1f937" tseq="1f937">🤷</EMOJI>

My corps band has 1 officer, 3 soldiers & 5 hangeroners. Plus often helpers when we play out!

In the UK many SA Bands now operate what we call 'open sections' its a decsion that can be made at a local level. Those that have gone down this route report an increase in numbers available to them... times are changing! My own band has a compliment of 35 players when all there (and yes it is now an open section). There is a Fellowship band that all you have to profess is to be in sympathy with the SA's Christian beliefs and that totals 40 members and is very active. The Divisional Youth band where there is no requirement other than an a loose attachment to a corps (church) numbers over 40 but it helps if you are a 'youth'! I dont know much about Southern California although I have good friends in both Pasadena and Tustin Ranchj bands - I've marched in the Rose Parade band twice - not sure I'd make it all the way round now though... getting too old for that sort of stuff!... Doug

[quote="DougHulme"]In the UK many SA Bands now operate what we call 'open sections' its a decsion that can be made at a local level. Those that have gone down this route report an increase in numbers available to them... times are changing! My own band has a compliment of 35 players when all there (and yes it is now an open section). There is a Fellowship band that all you have to profess is to be in sympathy with the SA's Christian beliefs and that totals 40 members and is very active. The Divisional Youth band where there is no requirement other than an a loose attachment to a corps (church) numbers over 40 but it helps if you are a 'youth'! I dont know much about Southern California although I have good friends in both Pasadena and Tustin Ranchj bands - I've marched in the Rose Parade band twice - not sure I'd make it all the way round now though... getting too old for that sort of stuff!... Doug[/quote]

My wife and I have decided to attend the Tustin Ranch Corps and I will become a soldier, again. <EMOJI seq="1f603" tseq="1f603">😃</EMOJI>

Brilliant... give my regards to Kevin and Jacquie there!... Doug

[quote="DougHulme"]Brilliant... give my regards to Kevin and Jacquie there!... Doug[/quote]

Will do.