Paul Binder - Saint Francis Hospice Concert Band

Music has been a huge part of my life since I was 11 years old, so stepping away from running a very successful band a few years ago left a bit of a gap. After three years, I felt the pull to get back into it again. Around that same time, I’d had the privilege of working at Saint Francis Hospice on a one-year contract, and something stuck with me. I was really impressed that the hospice had its own choir, like many others do, but it didn’t have a band.

When I looked into it further, I discovered that there isn’t a hospice in the UK with its own concert band. That was the moment it clicked: why shouldn’t Saint Francis Hospice be the first? That’s where the idea began. I put a proposal to Grazina, and thankfully she gave me her blessing. From there, things moved quickly. I launched an appeal for musicians in January, and by 10 March we were holding our very first rehearsal.

From the start, I wanted the band to reflect what the hospice is all about. My experience working there showed me that Saint Francis is built on great people supporting the community, but equally, the hospice relies on support from that community. The band is my way of bringing those two sides together. It’s made up of hospice staff, volunteers, and local musicians, all working as a team to promote the hospice in a fun and engaging way, while also helping to raise much-needed funds.

The response has honestly been incredible. I began with a small core of musicians I already knew, including some from my previous band, just to get things off the ground. But a social media campaign brought in people from all over the community, many of whom said they wouldn’t have joined a band at all if it wasn’t for this cause. We’ve since had staff from the education centre, fundraising teams, retail volunteers, and even a hospice ambassador join us. There are also musicians from NHS partner organisations—nurses, A&E staff, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. It really is a cross-section of the community. My hope is that, in time, we’ll also see representation from the clinical hospice team and even leadership and trustees.

What’s been especially rewarding is the range of experience within the band. We have former musicians from professional military bands who have set an incredibly high standard, alongside music graduates, regular ensemble players, and people who’ve picked up their instruments again after decades away. Seeing someone return to music after so long, because of this band, is something quite special. 

If I’m honest, one of the biggest challenges has been managing the sheer level of interest. I initially aimed for a band of around 25 to 35 players - enough to cover all the parts, but we’ve grown to around 50. It’s reached the point where I’ve had to start a waiting list for certain instruments, which is a great problem to have, but a challenge nonetheless. 

The most rewarding part, though, is always the music. Hearing a piece come together, especially with such a large group, and feeling everything click into place is truly exhilarating. That shared moment of creating something powerful is why we do it. 

For anyone who hasn’t heard us yet, we’re essentially a full symphonic wind band, think of an orchestra without the strings. We’ve got everything from flutes, oboes and clarinets through to brass, percussion, and even a vocalist. That range means we can perform an incredibly wide variety of music. 

Our first concert on 19 July really reflects that. We’ve built a programme around the theme “Celebrating the World of Stage and Screen,” particularly in the second half, but overall there’s something for everyone. We’ll move from pop to heavy metal, from sacred music to swing, from Disney to the West End. You might hear Ozzy Osbourne one minute and Oliver! the next, then David Bowie and classic film themes. It’s designed to be fun, varied, and accessible, and we’ll also be showcasing three soloists. 

When I first pitched the idea of the band, I set out a simple three-point mission. First, to champion the hospice and raise funds. Second, to produce a high-quality musical experience that offers real value to audiences. And third, equally important, to have fun. Everything we do comes back to those three principles. 

Looking ahead, I’d love for the band to become a valued and lasting part of the hospice. We’ve already got a second concert booked in Brentwood in December, and the intention is to build towards three concerts a year, alongside external bookings that can also generate income. Musically, I’m keen to keep things fresh by theming each concert and exploring collaborations with other performers and groups. There’s so much talent within this band, and a real appetite to push boundaries and entertain. 

Ultimately, though, I hope this is about more than just one band. If what we’re doing here can inspire other hospices to create their own bands, then that would be a fantastic legacy. For me, it’s been an exciting few months, seeing this idea grow from a simple question into something real, with genuine momentum. And this is only the beginning.