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Since the Middle Ages, the Town of Colchester employed a band of musicians to entertain the populace and perform at civic occasions. These "Waits" would have walked the streets with shawms, sackbuts and other loud wind instruments, wearing liveries of the town. The Colchester Town Waits were first revived by Phil Manchester in the 1970's and have been playing tabor pipes, drums and other folk instruments since then.
Now they are also branching out into playing the instruments of the traditional shawm band. A group of musicians are taking on the challenge of learning to play these vibrant instruments, bringing the sounds and colours of the shawm band to the streets of Colchester once more.
We are recruiting new members, so if you play a wind or brass instrument of any kind and are interested in having a go, now is the perfect time to join us. We have a few instruments available for new members to try.
Rehearsal Dates 2008: 11th July, 12th September, 10th October, 14th November & 12th December. Rehearsals are held on the second Friday of the month at St Andrews' Church, Mark's Tey. Rehearsals start at 7.30.
Background:
For more on the Colchester Town Waits revival, going strong since 1973, see the Colchester Waits on Myspace.
For more on Waits history and other existing bands see the Waits Website.
To hear modern Waits music at its best listen to the York Waits.