A new music shop will open in Market Place, Alford at 11.00 am on Friday 2nd November. And Alford Silver Band will be there to mark the occasion.
Yellowbelly Music is the brainchild of top Alford musician, Andrew Taylor, who is the principal cornet with Skegness Silver Band as well as playing for Alford Silver Band.
Local man Andrew returned to Alford after gaining a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree at Huddersfield University and recognised a gap in the local music market. Yellowbelly Music is the culmination of years of planning to plug that gap.
As well as selling sheet music, Yellowbelly Music will carry a wide range of instruments, accessories and gifts. And private tuition on brass instruments and in music theory will be available from Andrew in person on the premises.
“I aim to cater for musicians of all abilities and backgrounds,” said Andrew. “Anyone wanting to try an instrument, whether it be a guitar, a trumpet, a saxophone or whatever will be welcome to pay me a visit and give it a go. And there’ll be a wide selection of accessories and other gifts with a musical theme. If I haven’t got what you are looking for, I shall be happy to help you find it.”
The shop will open officially at 11.00 am on Friday 2nd, and Andrew’s colleagues from Alford Silver Band are determined to be there and mark the special occasion with a performance of their own outside the shop.
“It’s not often that one of our own sets out on a venture like this,” commented band chairman Martin Briggs. “Yellowbelly Music will provide a great musical boost for Alford, and as the band that put Alford on the musical map, we want to be part of the celebration.”
On-line shopping facilities via the shop’s website will also shortly be available, and Yellowbelly Music will also trade on e-bay.
“I’ve had a great deal of enjoyment over the years through making music,” continued Andrew. “I really want to help others have the opportunity to share similar experiences.”
Andrew started his musical career by learning the cornet with Alford Silver Band and still plays regularly with them, despite his demanding role as the principal cornet of Skegness Silver Band.
His most memorable musical experience was to accompany Katherine Jenkins at rugby league’s Super League final at Old Trafford when he was playing with the Yorkshire Co-op Brass Band whilst at university.