Brass for all
See how Drum and Brass has developed a brass band model for community music
Brass for all – Why?
D+B brass bands put music at the heart of our communities
- Affordable
- Accessible- all welcome
- Lifelong – 8 to 108+
- Local
- Serving the community at fetes and celebrations
Because music brings us together
And when we come together we learn about one another. When we learn about one another we get along better. When we get along together we feel better about ourselves, about our communities and about our futures..
Music empowers us
New skills, new networks, new knowledge. Playing in a band helps us shape our community for tomorrow. The way we want it.
ABRSM Music Medals, TRINITY Arts Awards and Drum and Brass early-stage badges
“Last Christmas it was lovely, it felt like a real community”
– Porsche Antwi
The Story of Drum and Brass
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)
Music empowers us
New skills, new networks, new knowledge. Playing in a band helps us shape our community for tomorrow. The way we want it.
ABRSM Music Medals, TRINITY Arts Awards and Drum and Brass early-stage badges
Beginner Brass Band:
Wednesdays 4:30 pm, Tebay Methodist Church
Who can come?
All ages from 8 years old upwards.
Children and parents are most welcome to come together. It costs £9/month
Call Julie on 07866 378392
or email julie@drumandbrass.co.uk
What we offer
We provide a high-quality, lightweight p-instrument, music and stand. You’ll also get a friendly welcome and all the help you need to learn basic brass band skills
- playing an instrument,
- reading and composing music
- performing as a group
What to expect
A band session looks a bit like this. We practice every week, including holidays.
We will play at 2 or 3 local events each year, often with the support of players from our other local bands.
Once you feel confident, they will be happy to offer you a seat and an instrument..
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.
60
Number of 1st generation brass players
36
Number of qualifications achieved
£230
Cost per player per year
111
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