Brass of the Saff

How Drum and Brass worked with the families on the Saffron Lane Estate in Leicester to create a community brass band.

“Last Christmas it was lovely, it felt like a real community”

– Porsche Antwi

Impact of The Brass of The Saff

In 2019 Brass of the Saff received a £29000 grant from Youth Music.

Over 2 years the project funded 3 staff members, travel, visiting artists and online sessions when Covid hit.

In total, we worked with 60 children who live on the Saffron Lane Estate in Leicester. Families had had no previous access to music-making of any form prior to the Brass of the Saff forming.

How it began – WIGSTON HORIZON BAND 2012

Challenge

The players of Wigston Brass Band’s existing training band progressed far enough to perform and compete, but not to support beginners.

Objectives

To find a way to bring new players on without neglecting the progress of more experienced players.

Solution

The Horizon Band was formed by Julie Maxwell. She recruited from local schools, offering children 10 free starter lessons in small groups. They joined the band when they could play 3 notes. The band is still going strong

Brass in the inner city – BRASS OF THE SAFF 2015

Challenge

Children on the saffron Lane Estate in Leicester had no access to music outside whole class teaching. Families also faced socio-economic challenges.

Objectives

To use brass plaing to generate a sense of local pride and confidence.

Solution

The Brass of the Saff was developed by Drum and Brass with local families. The players gained qualifications and acted as peer mentors. “I loved helping the younger ones” Pardeep Bassi (12)