*
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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • 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 moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd