Learn with Drum & Brass

Learn - Play -Progress

 

It’s easy to join one of our welcoming bands! Our monthly subscription costs £24 and includes band practice and lessons. This is your chance to join in and have fun while learning brass.

Join a Band

Your pathway, costs, and how to pay

This guide explains how to get started, what it costs, and when and how to pay. It is designed to make joining Drum and Brass simple, transparent and welcoming.

Step 1: Try it out – taster sessions

Our community taster sessions are the first step for most people.

  • Open and welcoming
  • No commitment
  • Minimal sign-up details
  • Instruments often available to try

At a taster, we’ll explain what Drum and Brass offers and help you decide what the best next step might be.

Step 2: Visit a band – trial period

After a taster, you’re welcome to attend a weekly band for a short trial period (up to 4 weeks).

  • Come and see if it’s right for you
  • No pressure to join immediately
  • Meet the group and facilitator
  • Ask questions about instruments, access needs and progression

Weekly bands + partner bands

 

E.g Tebay bands (partnered with Kirkby Stephen Silver Band

Appleby Beginner and partnered with Appleby Town Band

Kirkby Stephen Fridays –  (partnered with Kirkby Stephen Silver Band)

Drum and Brass Membership

If you decide to continue, the next step is to join Drum and Brass as a member.

£12 per month (standing order)
or £144 per year (one-off payment)

Membership includes:

  • Access to weekly Drum and Brass bands
  • Participation in our learner programme
  • Progression through our badge system
  • Insurance and safeguarding
  • Instrument loan where available
  • Support for access needs

Membership helps us keep our sessions inclusive, safe and sustainable.

Join a Band

Step 4: Choose your activities

Once you are a member, you can take part in different activities depending on your interests and stage.

Weekly bands

Included in membership. Some sessions may offer optional extended time or workshops.

After-school clubs

£40 per term (£120 per year – included in membership or stand-alone product)

After-school clubs are often a first step into Drum and Brass membership.

Cumbria Youth Brass Band (CYBB)

For young players ready for a county-wide ensemble.

£54 per year (9 core sessions – included in membership or stand-alone product)

Additional events are charged separately and always clearly explained in advance.

Access-led groups (e.g. No Bars)

Free or pay-what-you-can.
Optional contributions (e.g. £2 for extended sessions) help us offer more time where possible.

No one is excluded due to cost.

How and when to pay

Preferred payment method

We usually ask for payment by bank transfer or standing order, as this helps us keep costs down.

You will receive:

  • Clear payment instructions
  • A reference to use
  • Support setting up a standing order if needed

Other options

  • One-off payments (e.g. CYBB membership) can sometimes be made online
  • If payment is a barrier, please talk to us — we are happy to discuss options

What happens next?

  • You’ll receive a welcome pack
  • We’ll confirm your sessions and start date
  • We’ll help you set personal goals and badges
  • We’ll support you as you build skills and confidence

Questions or support

If you’re unsure which route is right for you, or if you have access or financial questions, please get in touch:

Drum and Brass
Email: info@drumandbrass.co.uk
Website: http://www.drumandbrass.co.uk

We’re here to help you find your place in music.

Players describe the group as “collaborative”, “supportive”, “inclusive”, “empowering”, “enjoyable” and “eclectic”.

Our players love a challenge, socialising and most of all the refreshments!

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 14th, South Cumbria Music Festival

T-Brass

Saturday, March 28th Youth Champs Birmingham

CYBB

Saturday + Sunday May 16th- 17th Brass Festival

CYBB, T-Brass/Melody Makers, KSSB Fridays

Sunday, 14 June @ 10:00am Kirkby Lonsdale Brass Competition

KSSB Fridays

Sunday 14th July Brass at the Seaside- Lytham St Anne’s

CYBB

Monday June x Community Choir Spring Concert

T-Brass/Melody Makers,

PLAYER PROGRESSION

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 the added stuff that comes with being in a band such as e.g. being able to plan an event or manage the band library. This helps young people envisage a range of career options from professional musician to teaching or music management.

We offer a package of qualifications that support players to reach their potential as an individual,as a musician, and as a member of their community.

Our progression system offers flexible options which allow everyone to find their strengths.

Drum and Brass Badges

The badges celebrate the best of what being in a band means.

The first two years as a musician are the hardest. Anyone will tell you that. It’s when the most drop-outs occur. Parents, teachers and players can expect too much too soon. At Drum and Brass we felt the need to celebrate the many real achievements that beginner players make when they first join a band.

In 2019 we  borrowed from the Guides and Scouts tradition and devised a set of badges for our young players which have indeed nurtured hundreds of youngsters through the first 2 years.

 

Recognition from awarding bodies

ABRSM Music Medals + Trinity Arts Awards

Music Medals are D+B’s choice of music qualification. They are more inclusive, more affordable and more accessible.

The players prepare an ensemble piece and a solo, and also work on some musical ‘ear training’. These medals (actually a badge and an ABRSM certificate)  give young players the experience of leading their own ‘ensemble’ or music group.

We have delivered Arts Awards since 2019. We have worked with large and small groups and individuals on a range of projects which devlop critical thinking and arts leadership.

 

As an Arts Awards Centre, Drum and Brass is able to support young people wanting experience that will count towards their Discover, Explore, Bronze and Silver  awards.

As qualified assessors we can also deliver Arts Award packages, such as Discover in a Day. Get in touch to find out more