The Hangleton Band was formed in 1965 by Bert Osgood, the music teacher and Deputy Head of the school from which the Band derives its name; Hangleton Junior School.

He had brought some brass instruments to a music lesson and some of the children asked if they could learn to play them. Within a few months a group of 7 children played 3 carols at the Christmas School Concert. As original pupils left the school, the Band became an independent organisation. Close links remain with the school, with the Band still rehearsing in the School Hall.

 

In 1970 the Band took part in contests and fetes and church services. It was also in 1970 that Hangleton undertook its first overseas exchange with a Band from the Dutch town, Leeuwarden. Subsequent exchanges took place in the 1970s and 80s with other Bands from Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Germany.

 

By 1975 the Band had over 70 players, and from 1976 - 1978 there were around 85 players in the 3 Band sections (Junior Band, A & B Bands). Mr Osgood died unexpectedly in 1978, and David Chappell and Christine Harris took over the Bands. A committee was formed and the Band became a registered charity, which it still is today. The Band continued to evolve, and is now formed by a Senior Band of the adults and older youth players, and a Youth Band, with a thriving learners group for the beginners.