Cumbria Brass Network Blog
The Tebay School of Brass Story
How a small rural brass group became the blueprint for School of Brass School of Brass didn't begin as a programme. It began with a problem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Drum and Brass brought together local brass band representatives from across Eden alongside...
From Seven Players to a Thriving Training Band: The Story Behind School of Brass
How one rural brass band became the inspiration for School of Brass When Kirkby Stephen Silver Band emerged from the pandemic with just seven regular players, we set out to answer a simple question: could a structured beginner programme help secure the band's future?...
We’re featured on 4barsrest! “Building a sustainable future for rural community bands”
Julie Hoggarth, Director of Drum and Brass, a Cumbria-based community music organisation, wonders if we are asking the wrong questions about the future of brass banding? Read on 4barsrest
Why Participation to Pathways Matters
Young musicians learn side by side at a Drum and Brass School of Brass session in Appleby. Participation to Pathways will explore how more children and families can discover, enjoy and continue making music in Cumbria's community bands. For more than twenty years,...
Tebay School of Brass – Music for the Whole Family
Always wanted to play an instrument? Tebay School of Brass is a friendly beginner group where children, young people and adults can learn a brass instrument from scratch together. Whether you're 8 or 80, no previous musical experience is needed, and instruments are...
Cumbria Brass Network Continues Planning for Training Bands and Regional Activity
“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...