There is no subscription required to be a member of either band, just a commitment to attend regular rehearsals and perform in gigs. Because we rehearse each week at the Cosey Club players do need to join and maintain their membership of the Cosey Club ( currently £10.00 per year)

We are also very keen on welcoming younger players. Three of our current members are studying Jazz at the Leeds Conservatoire or have just finished their studies there; they played with us before starting their studies there. You could be playing with such up and coming players while gathering useful practical experience with a regularly performing Band

Currently there are vacancies in The Swinging Woodpeckers Big Band for:

• The Swinging Woodpeckers are seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would be interested in taking on the long term Musical Leadership of the Swinging Woodpeckers Big Band, Woodpeckers Nonet and Woodpeckers Dance Band. The position will become available shortly as the current founder MD is looking to step back from some of his roles in the band and is keen to make sure that the band continues to thrive and grow under visionary and dynamic leadership. With over 30 excellent Musicians associated with the bands, this is an opportunity for the appointed MD to take the band forward musically while increasing its popularity and commercial success. The band already enjoys a good reputation in the local area with a number of regular bookings in the diary, though there is considerable scope to achieve much more. Any expressions of interest will be treated in strict confidence and should, in the first instance, be directed to the current MD (richard@swingingwoodpeckers.uk) who will also answer any questions.
• Trumpet – while we have 4 Trumpet players currently in the Band, as with others, they are busy people so there are plenty of opportunities for keen Jazz Trumpet players with the Band
• Deputies – we would welcome enquiries from players for any position in the Band if they are happy to offer themselves as deputies. Deputies have full access to our charts and attend as many rehearsals as they can. Deputies will often be called upon to play in key gigs, simply because our regular players are sought after in so many other places
• Front of House Staff – we are trying to build a team of supporters who will assist us with front of house activities (checking tickets, assisting audience members where necessary, etc.). Officially assisting at a gig merits free admission to that gig!

Aspiring players will normally come to Full Band Rehearsals.
After 2 or 3 rehearsals the MD will then ask fellow players in their section for candid opinions before passing on the band’s decision. Reliability, the ability to work with the team and a professional approach are just as important as pure musical and technical ability

If you are interested in playing with the band, or assisting with front of house activities please get in touch using the Contact page