*
banner

Bring Back the Brass

Brass Bands England launches Brass Foundations programme to help youth bands get back to regular playing.

BBE
  The new initiative is aimed at getting youth bands back to rehearsals

Brass Bands England is aiming to help youth bands across the country re-engage their players with their newly launched Brass Foundations programme.

Free webinar

The next stage of the programme, which launched in January, will be a free webinar (£5 for non-members) featuring three of BBE's Youth Development Brass Specialists.

It will take place on Thursday 4th March (7.00pm) when Paul Fisher, Deirdre Waller-Box and Helen Minshall will explore the challenges and the potential success of working with young people online.

Book you place

You can book your place at:
https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=135&reset=1

It is hoped the interactive session should provide bands with the tools to get re-started — from the complexities of preparing for an online rehearsal, to virtual playing techniques and how to develop your online offer and attractions.

Support

BBE's Education & Development Manager Sarah Baumann told 4BR: "BBE Brass Foundations was launched a month ago and our five new Youth Development Brass Specialists have been doing incredible work despite COVID-19 restrictions.

One area that many leaders of Youth Bands have requested support for is running online rehearsals."

Thursday 4th March (7.00pm) when Paul Fisher, Deirdre Waller-Box and Helen Minshall will explore the challenges and the potential success of working with young people onlineBBE

Empower

Sarah added: "In this webinar we want to empower youth band leaders who haven't ventured online yet to re-engage with the young people in their band before we return to in-person rehearsals."

4BR was informed that the BBE team are also collecting data on the needs and aspirations of those already running or looking to set up a youth band.

Survey

You can take part by completing their three-minute Brass Foundations Survey sharing information on what support you might need for your future youth work.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vUdAsqPzaPR-9zxQirtq2j3tcdkFocwfXDgW-CSZV-w/viewform?edit_requested=true#responses

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Northop Silver Band

October 22 • PERCUSSION PLAYER - We are a Championship Section competing band based in North East Wales. The band are friendly and ambitious, with an active contest and concert diary.


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd