Drum and Brass in partnership with Cumbria's Brass Bands

Join the Network

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

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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 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,...

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...

Keswick Training Brass Band

All sessions led by Kaytie Harding Wednesdays at Keswick School: Kickstarters (beginners youth band) 5:00 to 5:50 KickBrass (intermediate youth band) 5:50 to 7:00 Monday at St Herberts Centre - coming soon! KS1 BuzzKick Adult beginners Contact Keswick Training...

Carlisle Training Band

All sessions led by Nigel Orchard Tuesdays during termtime at St Lukes Church, Carlisle CA2 6PA: B group 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. A group 6:30 to 7:15 Email Nigel at nigel@orchard.org.uk

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...