About The Band
The Accidentals, based in Godalming, Surrey was founded 19 years ago and is currently made up of about around 17 enthusiastic amateur and professional musicians. "Great oaks from little acorns grow" : Founder and current Band Manager, Sue Rees, was inspired to form a wind ensemble envying the organised musical activities of her 3 school age children. In 2003 she persuaded 4 other mothers to unearth their instruments from the attic and get back into practice to form the kernel of what subsequently became The Accidentals. This small ensemble expanded rapidly, moving from playing informally around kitchen tables in private homes to public halls and, with the addition of the brass and rhythm sections, was soon transformed into a fully-fledged concert band.
Under the baton of super-talented Musical Director, Jennie Burtsell, who became a conductor in 2013, the Accidentals tackled an increasingly broad range of repertoire, encompassing film scores, swinging big-band jazz, well-known pop songs, popular show tunes and steamy Latin dances. Jennie's musical rigour and an irresistible joie de vivre has made the band what it is today. The sound was further enhanced with the arrival of Tom Hollister on the drums who transformed the sound of the band and is a charismatic and popular member of the band.
As well as undertaking bookings for private functions and staging their own concerts The Accidentals performed at various Surrey venues, including Guildford Band Stand, Cranleigh Arts Centre, Guildford Cathedral, Godalming and Bramley Golf Clubs and Christ Church, Guildford. They are regular performers at the Albury Produce Show and Pirbright Fayre. In 2016 they staged a sold out run of Rogers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" in Godalming Borough Hall.
The Accidentals embarked on their first international tour in 2018 with 46 on board the tour bus to Reims. Two very successful concerts were held, much wine and fun was had. The Band's second tour took place in 2022 this time to Cherbourg, staying at a slightly dilapidated chateau and culminating in a hugely successful concert in front of a very enthusiastic audience organised by Cherbourg Rotary.
In 2024 the format of the band changed. The large concert band was changed to become a smaller Big Band (despite the name, a smaller line-up!)
A big band or jazz orchestra is a type of musical ensemble of jazz music that usually consists of ten or more musicians with four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. Big bands originated during the early 
1910s and dominated jazz in the early 1940s when swing was most popular. The repertoire now comprises mainly classics from the big band era but with a few curve ball pieces thrown in now and then!
Vocalists are now a regular feature of the Band's repertoire and they have been lucky enough to work with some supremely talented singers, some of whom also have interesting dance moves!
The important ethos of the band remains however: Sociable, Fun, Supportive with excellent dynamics and phrasing!