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 families from Tebay to discuss the future of youth music. The message from bands was remarkably consistent: they wanted to welcome more young people but lacked the time, volunteers and confidence to run beginner groups successfully.
Rather than waiting for the perfect solution, we started an online brass group.
When restrictions lifted, the first cohort moved into Tebay Methodist Church in May 2022, where the group continues to meet every Tuesday evening.
The group has never been large. Today around eight young people attend regularly. But success has never been measured by numbers alone.
Since 2022, more than 60 children have taken their first steps into brass playing through Tebay's School of Brass programme (originally known as Melody Makers and later developing into separate beginner and progressing groups). For many, there simply wasn't another opportunity nearby—the closest regular provision was in Carlisle.
Building something sustainable
Funding from the Frieda Scott Trust, together with support from Cumbria Community Foundation and other funders, allowed us to purchase instruments, music stands and essential equipment, ensuring that cost was never a barrier to participation.
Partnerships have been equally important. Working alongside Tebay Primary School, we delivered after-school sessions, while performances at Tebay Community Choir concerts, community events and Tebay Sports Day helped young musicians become visible and valued members of their community.
Alongside developing young musicians, we invested heavily in developing people.
Young leaders have supported rehearsals and gained valuable experience through volunteering and qualifications, including Duke of Edinburgh Award placements. Staff have undertaken specialist training in inclusive practice, autism and Down syndrome awareness, and youth leadership.
Our lead facilitator completed the Brass Bands England Future Leaders programme and achieved the RSL Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Music and Performing Arts Learning with Distinction. The experience gained in Tebay has since enabled School of Brass groups to be established in Penrith, Kirkby Stephen and Appleby.
As the programme expanded, leadership of the Tebay group was successfully handed over to Kath and Jack, allowing Drum and Brass to support more communities across Cumbria.
What we learned
Over five years we tested, refined and sometimes completely changed our approach.
We consulted young people continually, developed reward systems and self-evaluation methods with them rather than for them, and created simple codes of practice that reflected what mattered to the group.
We were never afraid to experiment.
Players were encouraged to conduct rehearsals, lead warm-ups, make musical decisions and shape the culture of the band. We expected young people to have a genuine voice rather than simply follow instructions.
One surprising lesson emerged.
When opportunities arose for players to move into larger, more advanced ensembles, many chose to remain involved with the beginner group as well. They valued the friendships they had built and wanted to support the next generation of beginners.
That sense of belonging became just as important as musical progression.
A story of progression
Ev joined our very first online sessions as a young beginner.
Today, aged 13, she plays on the front row of our partner band, Kirkby Stephen Silver Band, and performs as Solo Cornet with the Cumbria Youth Brass Band.
Yet every Tuesday she still returns to Tebay to encourage and support the newest players, becoming exactly the kind of role model every community band hopes to develop.
Her journey reminds us that successful beginner programmes don't simply create musicians—they create future leaders.
Why we created School of Brass
Everything contained within the School of Brass resources has been tested in real community settings.
The conversations, planning tools, lesson ideas, volunteer guidance, progression systems and practical resources have grown directly from the experiences of groups like Tebay.
Some organisations may choose to deliver the complete one-year School of Brass programme. Others may simply use individual resources to strengthen an existing beginner band.
There is no single correct way to use the materials.
Our hope is simple: that more communities will feel confident to start welcoming beginners, knowing they don't have to invent everything from scratch.
If Tebay could do it, so can others.
Ready to start your own School of Brass?
Whether you're a brass band looking to recruit new players, a music leader wanting to establish a beginner group, or a community organisation keen to bring people together through music, you don't have to start from scratch.
The School of Brass resources have been developed through years of practical experience, testing and refinement in communities across Cumbria. They include planning guides, teaching materials, volunteer resources, progression pathways and practical tools designed to help you build a thriving, sustainable beginner programme.
Take what you need; use the complete programme or simply choose the resources that fit your organisation.
Explore the School of Brass Resource Library and discover how your community could become the next School of Brass success story.