OUR BLOG
We regularly update our blog section, so please keep an eye out on the latest news.
“Me and Brass Bands”
Guided conversation at the Kirkby Stephen Silver Band Brass Weekender 2nd August 2025 By Julie Hoggarth The Local Heroes group spent a day with Tabby Kerwin’s PERFORM for Brass Bands programme. It was so useful to think about the emotional aspects of playing, that...
Brass For All Programme 2025-2026
The Story of Cumbria Brass One of the first outcomes was the creation of Melody Makers in Tebay — a youth band that quickly became a model for inclusive, community-led music making. From this group emerged some of the county’s most promising young players, including...
LOCAL HEROES COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAMME
Local Heroes is a project which transforms individual skills into community assets. Funded by Awards for All, we started this programme in July 2025 with six particpants who were keen to gain new skills that will benefit local communities. Since then, we have...
Notes from the Cumbria Brass Network meeting held May 25th 2025
Overview 1. Reflective review of the "Brass at the Castle" event, discussions on potential future events and workshops, and strategic planning for band member recruitment. Key topics included masterclass development, publicity strategies, regional engagement, funding...
Brass at the Castle is leaving a positive impact
Brass at the Castle is set to return for a second year, and as we approach this year’s festival, we are taking a look back and celebrating the progress that has been made in the world of brass in Cumbria since last year’s festival. We can tell you there is a lot to be...
Brass at the Castle 2025: Celebrating Grass Roots Musical Excellence
Brass at the Castle returns this summer A vibrant two-day festival taking place in the beautiful grounds of Brougham Hall, Penrith. The festival is dedicated to celebrating and evolving the region’s rich brass tradition. After the incredible response to our inaugural...
Brass Is Good For You- Why picking up an instrument could be life changing
Learning to play a musical instrument with your local brass band is not just about mastering notes and rhythms- it’s also a great way to feel a part of your local community. Brass bands have a long tradition of brining communities together, and when you play in a...
Spring Term Highlights
Spring Term Highlights – Community Music in Action! As the days grow longer and the sounds of spring fill the air, we’re reflecting on a fantastic term with our community music groups—Melody Makers, Appleby Beginners, T-Brass, and No Bars. Over the past three months,...
Cumbria Brass Network Discussion – Player Support
e strategiessIn the Cumbria Brass Network meeting on February 15th, band players came together to duscuss player support. This conversation is ongoing. Take part by completing our survey: Player support survey Training Bands and Boot Camps For those new to brass...
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION
Kirkby Stephen Silver Band (KSSB), a cornerstone of the Cumbrian music scene since its founding in 1857, has always been a band with a difference. Known for its skilled musicianship, welcoming spirit, and commitment to innovation, the band is as much about community...