*
banner

Inspirational Minshall becomes Classic FM Visiting Teacher of the Year

The wonderful work undertaken by Helen Minshall in inspiring future generations of young players has been marked by becoming the 2024 Classic FM Visiting Teacher of the Year.

Helen Minshall
  Helen in an inspirational teacher to hundreds of children

The inspirational Helen Minshall has been announced as the winner of 'Visiting Music Teacher 2024' in the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year awards.

It recognises her outstanding work in visiting schools in her role as a Youth Development Brass Specialist for Brass Bands England's Brass Foundations programme, as well as that for Lancashire Music Service.

Helen also runs her own teaching company, Minshall Music, and is involved with several of youth bands in the North West, including being Musical Director for both the Lancashire Youth Brass Band and Astley Youth Band.

Passion

Her infectious enthusiasm, passion and expertise has gained widespread acclaim and acknowledgement from within the brass banding community in the UK, with the commitment alongside her colleagues to the BBE Brass Foundations programme a key driver to its continued success.

The full raft of Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year awards made in partnership with ABRSM, are being revealed throughout the week on the channel's daily Breakfast show.

Love of music

Commenting on Helen's win, the judges said: "Helen's commitment to music teaching shines out. She has shared her love of brass instruments with countless pupils throughout her long career.

Bands have flourished as she has fostered a love of music with successive generations of young musicians."

Means the world

In response Helen commented: "I feel very privileged to have a job doing something I'm passionate about and to be able to celebrate like this means the world!

Thank you to all my wonderful students and colleagues at Lancashire Music Hub, Brass Bands England, Minshall Music LTD, Astley Youth Band, More Music for all your ongoing support and to all the children and staff at the many schools I am lucky enough to visit regularly."

When appearing on Classic FM Breakfast with presenter Dan Walker, she said shew as going to celebrate the award by going to "run up and down the street playing my trombone!"

I feel very privileged to have a job doing something I'm passionate about and to be able to celebrate like this means the world!Helen Mnshall

Prizes

Helen has won £3,000 worth of prizes, which she plans to donate to Lancashire Youth Brass Band. She will join other award-winners at Classic FM Live, its annual event at London's Royal Albert Hall on 21st October to be presented with her award.

Find out more

To find out more about BBE's Brass Foundations work go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-foundations

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    


Danny Jones

Adams announce Jones addition to artist roster

August 27 • Danny Jones, the solo euphonium player of Aldbourne Band has been signed to the artist roster of Adams Musical Instruments.


Westwood takes baton at Enderby

August 27 • Gareth Westwood is the new Musical Director of Enderby Band.


Youth Championships

Fancy being an adjudicator?

August 27 • If you do, then Brass Bands England want to hear from you for the 2026 National Youth Championships.


Anabel

Voigt goes from student to tutor to inspire next generation

August 27 • Anabel Voigt has returned to the Jena International Summer Brass Band Camp seven years after taking her steps as a young player.


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 29 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

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


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND would love players to join us at our next rehearsal on Monday 1st at 11am in our own bandroom.. It's just an extra chance for a friendly blow with cake,coffee and good company.. Does not affect allegiance to your main band


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

August 24 • Principal Cornet. Due to planned retirement. Own band room (no shifting gear between rehearsals), S75 3RF, less than 5 mins fromJ37 M1. Yamaha Zeno cornet for your use. Regular 20+ every rehearsal. Monday & Thursdays 1930-2130. MD GEOF BENSON. .


wantage silver band

August 22 • Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm (both times flexible depending on person).


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd