For many musicians, finding a decent rehearsal space can be almost as difficult as getting the band together. For Jack, owner of Tee Box Rehearsal Rooms, frustration with the options available locally eventually inspired him to start his own business.
Based at Wilton Golf Club, Tee Box offers two fully treated rehearsal rooms, accommodating up to four people in the smaller room and six in the larger. Both are equipped with a full backline, drum kits, PA systems, vocal microphones, guitar and bass amplifiers, with low-volume practice cymbals also available.
Having found previous rehearsal rooms around Redcar lacking in both equipment and upkeep, Jack explained: “I wanted something that was completely the opposite to that. If no one else is going to do it, I’ll just make it myself.”
Attention to detail is central to Tee Box. Jack says his priorities were: “nice-sounding, easy-to-use, clean equipment”, alongside decent backline and, importantly, somewhere comfortable to spend time. “It doesn’t take a lot of effort,” he says. “Just little things like hoovering and making sure everything’s clean and nice for people when they arrive.”
The journey to opening the doors was anything but straightforward. After getting the keys in July, Jack and his family transformed what had essentially been an empty, mouldy building, installing new walls and ceilings and creating what he describes as a “room within a room” to improve soundproofing.
His own experience as a musician has proved invaluable throughout. Jack has been playing since he was around 15 and is currently involved in several bands. He has also worked as a guitar technician and performed alongside musicians from across the local scene.
Supporting that scene is something he is passionate about: “From my experience, it’s one of the best scenes in the country,” he says, highlighting the camaraderie and willingness of local musicians to help one another.
Ultimately, Jack wants Tee Box to become more than just somewhere bands go to rehearse. “More than anything, I want it to become a bit of a community,” he says. “If I could just be part of the backbone of [the Teesside] music scene, that would be amazing.”
Affordability is another priority, helping to make quality rehearsal facilities accessible to local musicians. For anyone considering booking a room, Jack’s message is simple: “Give us a try.
To find out more about Tee Box Rehearsal Rooms, head to teeboxrehearsals.com.
