*
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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Cambrian Brass

December 30 • We are a friendly, hard-working and inclusive brass band, and everyone is welcome. We currently have specific vacancies for Soprano Cornet, Solo Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass, but interest from players on any instrument is always very welcome.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd