Brass Bands England has enjoyed an immediate response in people asking about the work of its Brass Foundations team following a positive feature on the BBC 1 Breakfast Show on Thursday morning.
The feature spotlighted team member Paul McLaughlin inspiring youngsters to enjoy brass band music making as well as providing a studio interview with BBE's Alex Parker and four young players.
The BBC Points West Regional news programme followed Paul in a primary school in Nailsworth in Gloucestershire, whilst a visit to the Flowers Band gave a wider understanding into the wider banding world and the commitment to playing can achieve.
Success
BBE's Paul McLaughlin spoke of the importance of the investment in youth and the links to top bands such as Flowers. "You can't have one without the other,"he said in highlighting the success of the recent BBE National Youth Championships in Stockport.
Back in the studio BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty were joined by BBE Development Officer Alex Parker and a quartet of players (Matthew, Daniel, Millie and Euan) from the Lancashire Youth Brass Band and Stockport Schools Brass Band, all of whom took part in the Youth Championship event.
They spoke about how much they enjoyed playing in a brass band, whilst Alex gave details about the event which attracted over 1200 youngsters, and how local bands are open and inclusive environments for young players. They rounded off the feature with an impromptu rendition of 'Yellow Submarine'.
When the media shines such a positive light on what brass bands can offer and especially for youngsters, it's pricelessBBE's Alex Parker
Priceless
Speaking about the feedback, Alex told 4BR: "When the media shines such a positive light on what brass bands can offer and especially for youngsters, it's priceless.
We have already been fielding requests for more information on the Brass Foundations team and how do bands link up with them, whilst the social media responses to the feature have been brilliant."
He added: "The best ambassadors though were Matthew, Daniel, Millie and Euan — especially as we all had to get to the Salford studios by 6.30am and then had to work out a special little piece to play."
BBE Brass Foundations team
To find out more about the Brass Foundation team go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-foundations
