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 challenges and safeguarding compliance.
Feedback on “Brass at the Castle” Event
- Positive feedback shared from all present.
- Venue was praised, as was organisation for smooth transitions and interchangeability between bands.
- Masterclasses from the Royal Northern College of Music were highly valued and workshops for young people too, but better signage needed.
- Suggestions were made for additional workshops on topics like high range and breathing techniques.
- Noted issues with parking
Suggestions for Improvement and Publicity
- Increase publicity by engaging local media across the county – share press releases with all bands at an early stage.
- Encourage wider participation, particularly from western bands such as those in Whitehaven and Workington.
- Better coordination and scheduling of workshops and more of them, to suit varied age groups and skill levels.
Proposals for Future Events
- Potential to organise regional events on the West Coast thanks to RNCM involvement
- Whitehaven Civic Hall is suited to potential mass band performances.
- Consider collaborating with Alina Orchestra Brass for professional-level input.
Recruitment Strategies and Challenges
- Kirkby Stephen Silver Band shared post-COVID success through business links and a beginner band initiative.
- Egremont Band noted challenges due to the administrative burden of running youth sessions.
- Strategy shared by Whitehaven of recruiting adult learners from folk and orchestral circles reduces the need for music reading training.
- Need for specific resources for adult brass learners.
Compliance and Funding Issues
- Concerns over increased safeguarding and legislative requirements.
- Brass Bands England’s safeguarding programme noted as useful but expensive.
- High membership costs (BBE) and (local) administrative burdens pose challenges for smaller bands.
- Calls for external funding to support digital marketing and compliance.
Action Points
- Explore Funding Opportunities:
- Investigate immediate funding sources with deadlines (e.g., February spend requirement).
- Look into funding for instruments and digital marketing support.
- Plan Regional Autumn/Christmas Event:
- Scope interest from bands in Allerdale and Copeland areas.
- Consider Whitehaven Civic Hall for mass band venue.
- Masterclass and Workshop Development at/around Brass Festival:
- Possibility of more segmented sessions by ability?
- Explore lunchtime workshops to maximise engagement.
- Signage and Promotion:
- Coordinate banner production and distribution with SN.
- Plan county-wide signage campaign for next event.
- Recruitment Strategy Development:
- Share recruitment tactics across the network.
- Consider launching regular coordinated recruitment campaigns.
- Support for Compliance:
- Seek funding to subsidise safeguarding training and related compliance costs.
- Consider joint applications for shared network-wide training.