Drum and Brass in partnership with Cumbria's Brass Bands

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Cumbria Brass Network - Elevating and Celebrating our Brass Bands

“A Band for Everyone in Cumbria”

Meeting dates 2024-2025

17 AUG 2024, SAT 6 – 7pm – theme: Band identity

16 NOV 2024, SAT 6 – 7pm – theme: Audience development

15 FEB 2025, SAT 6 – 7pm – theme: Player support

24th MAY 2025, SAT 6 – 7pm – theme: Player recruitment

Cumbria Brass Network – why be a part of it?

Bands want more members, the general public want more live band music. Brass bands can teach people to play instruments, they offer affordable access to music-making and they are local. All this adds up to huge benefit for communities.

The network has grown out of a a desire by bands to pool band expertise and ideas and work together to shape the future of brass bands in the 21st Century.

This year the network has hosted 4 meetings, published 3 newsletters, created a Facebook page and Facebook Group and updated its directory of bands. With a team of volunteers from local bands, funding from local trusts and the Arts Council and recognition from Brass Bands England, we are organising the “Brass at the Castle” festival and have established the Cumbria Youth Brass Band. This is a collaborative initiative which has been made possible thanks to the support of the members and the resources of Drum and Brass.

Creating events

The network supports bands to hold events e.g. “Brass at the Castle” by managing marketing, venue liaison, funding, timetabling, staffing, insurance etc.

Our events are aimed at raising awareness of what bands offer to communities and to the wider world of music with a view to increasing membership of our groups.

Network meetings

The current network offer is 4 meetings per year, newsletters, a Facebook page and Facebook Group and a directory of bands. Annual programmes can focus attention on steady development

young people sitting in a row playing brass instruments

Cumbria Youth Brass Band

Thanks to the dedication, generosity and passion of a brilliant team of musical directors, Cumbria Youth Brass Band is up and running. Its players have stepped up their game and become a really strong musical community. Watch this space!

Join the Cumbria Brass Facebook group here

Cumbria Brass Blog

Cumbria Brass Meeting Notes

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...

Player development

Badges, ABRSM Music Medals, Trinity Arts Awards We want every player to be able to develop in their own way. As an inclusive organisation, we know that there is more to being in a band than just sitting and playing. Therefore we offer experiences that celebrate all...

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...

Cumbria Brass Network Discussion -Forging Progression Pathways for Young Musicians in Cumbria

A Partnership Model for Music Education and Progression: Insights from Cumbria's Brass Band Network Meeting held on Saturday 16th November 2024 Guest speaker Phil Goodwin - RNCM Support for Brass Music Culture in Cumbria We opened the meeting by welcoming guest...

Musical Partnerships in Tebay

Partnerships provide music opportunities for young people in Tebay All the research tells us that playing a musical instrument is extremely beneficial for young people's development and mental health. But it is very hard to access thanks to cuts in education and...

Drum and Brass at the 2025 Brass Bands England Conference

“the journey is the joy and the rewards are life-long” 2025 Brass Bands England conference On Saturday October 19th D+B directors Julie and Davina visited the very favourably situated City of London School (it’s for boys so no need...

A Joyful Reunion: Cumbria Youth Brass Band Kicks Off Its Second Year

Date: Sunday, 29th SeptemberVenue: Black Combe Junior School, MillomHosted by: Holborn Hill Royal Brass Band Juniors (led by Cath Clarke)MD: Kaytie HardingSpecial Guest: Phil Goodwin, Head of Engage at the Royal Northern College of Music This past Sunday saw a vibrant...

Notes from Cumbria Brass Network Meetings

August 2024 November 2024 February 2025Cumbria Brass Network Blog

No Bars Orchestra

It started as a celebration of the 70th birthday of Geoff Forse who has managed the Woodgate Resources Centre for over 30 years, many of them as a volunteer. He has ensured that people of all ages have had access to music lessons - learning a range of instruments:...

Brass at the Castle 2025: Celebrating Grass Roots Musical Excellence

Brass Is Good For You- Why picking up an instrument could be life changing

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,...