Celebrating International Day of Disabled People
Performing as High Voltage Performing Arts
HIGH VOLTAGE
BIG BAND
A unique big band playing swing, jazz, blues and much more.
read moreHIGH VOLTAGE PERFORMING ARTS
Get Started
BACKGROUND
All our rehearsals are open for anyone who would like to attend, if this is something you are interested in, please feel free to pop along and have a chat.
Rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 7:30pm to 10:00 pm and we can be found at
Ripple Centre
121-125 Ripple Road
Barking
IG11 7FN.
Email: info@hvpa.org.uk
Our History...
Two of our team members are qualified First Aiders for Mental Health.
ABOUT US
We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded "Best Music &
Performing Arts Charity 2023 - Southeast England" in the Non-Profit organisation Awards
2023.
High Voltage Performing Arts is a registered charity (Charity Number: 1189028)
created to give
musical performance opportunities to members of the local community. In October 2024 we recently appointed Johnny Hanley as the new vice chair to the board of trustees.
We do this by running four bands of various styles and creating events to showcase their
talents.
The bands also take part in many local community events.
We also offer workshops and online courses in music theory, notation software, audio
and lighting via our High Voltage Charts education arm.
The High Voltage Charts arm provides a music arrangement service with ready made or
custom arrangements to suit any musical group.
Exciting opportunities within HVPA
All our rehearsals are open for anyone who would like to attend, if this is something you are interested in, please feel free to pop along and have a chat.
Rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 7:30pm to 10:00 pm and we can be found at
Ripple Centre
121-125 Ripple Road
Barking
IG11 7FN.
Email: info@hvpa.org.uk
Our History...
Two of our team members are qualified First Aiders for Mental Health.
These are the four performance ensembles
THE STEIN MEISTERS
OOMPAH BAND
A Bavarian style band playing a mix of traditional music and all your singalong favourites.
read moreMEGABLAST!
ENSEMBLE
A brass and percussion ensemble playing classic songs and current pop hits.
read moreESSEX HERALD
FANFARE TEAM
A traditional fanfare team playing flourishes for civic occasions.
read moreOUR EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS
Our classes teach how to play musical instruments & music theory.
Check
out our free music theory resources.
MEET OUR TEAM
TEAM MEMBERS
Andrea McKenna
MellophoneI joined HVPA in 2012. I felt at home instantly and have enjoyed everything we’ve done! I am very much looking forward to our future and all the things we are yet to do.
Craig Venables
TrumpetLoves to play, UK and European titles in the Drum Corps world, played trumpet for soul bands raising funds for London fire brigade charities -loves High Voltage, hates that life gets in the way
Tom Watts
TrumpetAs an older person, I joined this band after it was five years old and have loved being part of this group as it has opened my musical talents again.
David Swindell
Trombone and MediaI have been with HVPA since its formation back in 2011 and being part of this group of talented individuals is an inspiration in itself as well as helping local communities.
Andrew Parker
TubaHi aka Patch been in High Voltage since the first day I am a tuba player. Fantastic bunch of individuals with great talent proud to be a part of it.
Gaynor Swindell
Trombone and ChairSince joining HVPA I am so proud of the achievements over the last 12 years, playing some great music with a group of fantastic people. Long may it continue.
Sarah Smith
Trumpet and TreasurerI'm not at all musical, but oh my, I love listening to the talent of High Voltage they blow me away. Over the years they have perfected themselves it's just amazing. I have been a staff member from the start and recently the Treasurer. I just love the family atmosphere.
Julie Chuter
MellophoneI've been playing Mellophone with HVPA since 2011, it's my 2nd family and I absolutely love being a part of it and what we do. It's by far my biggest achievement.
John Chuter
Stage ManagerI'm stage manager for HVPA and have been around since 2011. I am proud of the band and enjoy spending time with such great people.
Ray Steadman
Mellophone and SecretarySince joining HVPA IN 2012 as a mellophone player, I class all the members as a second family and without their help I would not have had the fun and achievements we have had together.
Sue Steadman
StaffI joined HVPA IN 2013 and am Proud of the way I have seen them grow and the enjoyment they bring musically and socially.
Stephen McKenna
TrumpetBeen with the band since the start. I play trumpet and am Lead Musician. Fantastic bunch of talented players and a privilege to play alongside
Anthony Polius
MellophoneBeen in band since the start on french horn and mellophone. A great bunch to socialise and play music with.
Susan Lees
TrumpetI've been a member of HVPA since day 1, I'm part of the trumpet section, its great being a part of such an awesome group of individuals musically and socially.
Dan Sharp
VocalsI've been singing in bands and solo since the age of 13, through which I more recently met HVPA. I was lucky enough to join in 2018 and have enjoyed every minute of being part of such a talented and charismatic group of people
Keith Smith
Tuned Percussion, Development Officer and a qualified FAMHI have been a member of HVPA since day one, as a member I love performing with such a talented group of friends. As a Trustee, as Development Officer I love developing partnerships with other organisations and raising funds for our Charitable activities.
Susan Gregory
Tuned PercussionSynopsis to follow
Johnny Hanley
Tuba and Vice ChairThroughout my time playing tuba, my passion for the instrument has only grown. The tuba has become an extension of myself, allowing me to express emotions, connect with others, and create music that transcends time and boundaries. This musical odyssey has shaped my life, leaving an indelible mark on my soul and instilling a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music.
Steve Lees
Musical DirectorHave been involved in musical groups for nearly 50 years. Currently the music arranger and conductor for HVPA but still learning all the time. Love the variety of music played by the organisation
Richard Greenland
Trombone and Qualified FAMHMy love of music began in 1983 when I started playing tenor horn. I then joined HVPA in 2020 who welcomed me with open arms. It's great fun performing again.
Angela Popkin
VocalsI'm a vocalist and have been with the band since the beginning. I have enjoyed the good company and camaraderie of some fantastic people.
Katie Cullen
TrumpetSynopsis to follow
Keith Chatting
DrumsSynopsis to follow
Chely Dagger
StaffI have been coming to band for over 10 years now. I love listening to the music and making the tea and coffee at break times for the players. With my disabilty, all the members make me feel like part of the family and I feel very comfortable. I also love going to shows.
Clare Sadler Taylor
VocalsI have loved music from young age. I always enjoyed singing in church when I was a child, at school I join the orchestra playing the violin. At secondary school I began to sing more seriously. I have gigged as a soloist at weddings, and various other events. Joining HVPA has been a great experience and I wished I’d known about them sooner. Singing with other vocalists is amazing and this makes music so rewarding.
Behind The Scenes
FACTS SHEET
THE NUMBERS
22
Cast
Members
165
Musical Numbers
129
Public Performances
47
Community Projects
Insights
OUR AMAZING WORK
all
Performances
Rehearsals
Projects
Community
Endorsements from our community partners
TESTIMONIALS
"I just wanted to let you know that my exhibition went extremely well last night. My piece was a great success with all those who attended and I could not be more happy with it. So once again could you please pass on a big thank you to everyone who took part, I am so grateful for all of your time and patience. It means a huge deal to me and my degree studies. Everyone commented positive feedback on the band and I referenced you throughout. I am just currently updating my blog and then I will send you links etc when it is completed. Any press that comes in the university for the mean time I will comment on the band for sure. My tutor sais to also remain in contact with you for possibly hiring you for the final degree show this time next year. I was just wondering out of curiosity whether you could send that photograph of me, you and the band? Anyway look forward to seeing you for the concert. All the Best, Thank you again, Sophie"
Sophie Bird
Art Student
"Ab Phab got musical last night with High Voltage Performing Arts learning 'Hit The Road Jack', 'Fireball' and 'My Boy Lollipop'. 🥁🎷🎺 Everyone had such an amazing time performing with the band and took their place in the spotlight....🎬🎤🎼 (Videos to follow) Another huge thank you to High Voltage Performing Arts for providing this opportunity for our members! 👏"
Ab Phab Youth Club
"I just wanted to thank you for your incredible generosity in playing for us at the Little Burstead War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday2015 as part of our act of Remembrance. It is only the second time in quite a number of years that we have been blessed in this way. Everyone who attended were so very pleased! If you or another able member of the excellent High Voltage Big Band were able to play in future, it would be a resounding YES PLEASE and THANK YOU! Thank you again! With all good wishes"
Rev. Paul Gambling.
Team Vicar
Billericay & Little Burstead Team Ministry
"Please find enclosed a cheque which is a donation to the High
Voltage Big Band from everyone at Heart of Pitsea.
Our committee would like to give this donation as a thank you for the fantastic
performance at the 2019 Pitsea Community Christmas. We hope that this can be of some
help towards the great work of the High Voltage Big Band."
Gill Buttwell
Administrator - Heart of Pitsea
"Thanks to High Voltage Performing Arts for bringing music to Marks Gate your spring/summer live sessions have been a hit with residents of all ages. We look forward to your next event."
Catherine
NMS Worker
LIVE PERFORMANCES
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Christmas Concert for the residents of Parkview Care Home
Performing as High Voltage Performing Arts
Links to our Community Partners
VISIT OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER WEBPAGES
Contact
We are here to help & answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Address
109 Ilchester Road, Dagenham, Essex RM8 2YT
Email Us
info@hvpa.org.uk
Call Us
07800 998717