*
banner

BBE gains funding to build on Foundations success

Arts Council England award Brass Bands England extra money to further their successful Brass Foundations education initiative.

Brass Foundations
  The Brass Foundations projects have been a great success.

Brass Bands England has announced that its Brass Foundations programme has been extended until July 2022.

Arts Council England has awarded £48,000 through its National Lottery Project Grants which will enable BBE to build on the outstanding success of the initial six-month education initiative.

Brass Foundations currently operates on a pilot basis, delivered by BBE's five Youth Development Brass Specialists based in Camden, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire and Lancashire.

Vital role

The BBE team has undertaken numerous school workshops as well as played a vital role in building links between community brass bands and Music Education Hubs to support and nurture young musical talent.

It has also seen children take part in online workshops, play a pBuzz, or benefit from a 'Proms in the Playground' performance.

BBE stated that key aims for the next phase will be the creation of new beginner and youth bands in its core areas, whilst also supporting the wider banding community through advice and support, online events and resources.

It is hoped the programme can be expanded nationwide in future years.

Fantastic news

Speaking about the latest funding success, BBE Chairman, Mike Kilroy, told 4BR: "This is fantastic news for brass bands and we would like to thank the National Lottery, through Arts Council England, for providing the funds for BBE to continue the programme for the next academic year.

This is perhaps the most significant brass band-specific education outreach programme of recent times and one that we are confident will provide the foundations for a sustainable, rewarding and diverse banding community for many years to come."

Outstanding results

He added: "Our five Youth Development Brass Specialists, led by Education & Development Manager, Sarah Baumann, have already achieved outstanding results and we're delighted that they will be able to achieve even greater outreach in the months ahead."

National Lottery Project Grants is Arts Council England's open access programme for arts, museums and libraries projects. The fund supports individual artists, community and cultural organisations thanks to National Lottery investment.

Extension

In highlighting the success of the initial project, Pete Massey, Director North, Arts Council England said: "It is vital that everyone can access creative opportunities no matter where they live or what their background is.

Following Brass Foundations' initial funding from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund, I'm delighted that we have supported its extension through our National Lottery Project Grants programme.

I hope that many more young people from a wide range of backgrounds can receive a brass band education and experience the joy of performing whilst simultaneously securing a vibrant future for brass bands."

This is perhaps the most significant brass band-specific education outreach programme of recent times and one that we are confident will provide the foundations for a sustainable, rewarding and diverse banding community for many years to comeBBE

Find out more

To find out more about Brass Foundations' future activity or if you're not on the BBE mailing list, you can register here.

https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-foundations

Whilst some activity will be available to all, some resources will be restricted to the BBE membership.

https://www.bbe.org.uk/user/register

BBE membership is as little as £25.

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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd