The Sleaford Training Band was formed in 2000 by members of the Sleaford Concert Band who decided that a feeder band should be created to encourage young musicians to learn to play in an ensemble. Ken Garfield (Solo Clarinet) was asked if he would conduct the band and over the past 7 years Ken has led the band both in rehearsals and in public performances. Initially The Training Band was made up of young people but as time went on more and more adults were attracted to the band and today there is a nice mixture of children and adults. Many of the adults have learned to play a secondary instrument in The Training Band.

It wasn’t long before the band was undertaking small engagements in the Sleaford area and it was decided to design a uniform unique to The Training Band. Bright gold sweatshirts were ordered and the band began to take on a character all of its own. At this time the band was called the Sleaford Youth Concert Band. The links with the Sleaford Concert Band have always been strong and at Christmas in 2002 the Youth Concert Band joined with the senior band to give a performance in Northgate Sports Hall which was very well received. In 2003 the band joined with The Saxilby Youth Band to present a concert in Saxilby with a return concert in Sleaford. It has, for the past four years, performed at the Heckington Show on the Sunday afternoon.

Over the years many parents have become involved with the organisation due to their children attending the Training Band and many members of the SCB have come up through the ranks of the Training Band.

In 2005 it was decided to rename the band and a decision was made to call it The Training Band as it was felt that this would encourage all ages to join the band.

Under Ken’s baton, the Training Band has encouraged dozens of local musicians to continue music making in an ensemble. There is a very friendly and happy atmosphere at rehearsals and Ken is a master of getting the best out of inexperienced musicians, both young and old.