*
banner

Award winning inspiration for Shepherd Group

A wonderful project creating musical opportunities for D/deaf young people claims BBE Award.

Audrey
  Audrey Brown was at the BBE Brass Band Conference to accept the award

An inspiring partnership between the Shepherd Group Band organisation and National Centre for Early Music gained high profile acclaim at the recent Brass Band Conference hosted by Brass Bands England, as the project 'I Can Play with Brass Roots' claimed the 'Band Project of the Year' award.

Based in York, 'I Can Play with Brass Roots' began in September 2023, inspired by the National Centre for Early Music's long-running 'I Can Play', project which creates music-making opportunities for D/deaf young people.

Partnership lead

Led by Sean Chandler, DeaF musician, professional trumpeter and qualified teacher of the Deaf, the sessions take place each month at York Music Centre.

Sean, who is principal cornet in Shepherd Band, works closely with Brass Roots leader Audrey Brown to deliver the project. Together they ensure that the young D/deaf musicians receive additional support before and throughout rehearsals to help them become fully integrated into the band.

Challenge

Audrey has been teaching families to play brass instruments for many years in the York area, most of whom continue to play today. At the age of 80, she took on the challenge of learning BSL in preparation for welcoming D/deaf musicians to Brass Roots and the Shepherd band family.

During the past year, the flourishing project has enabled several young D/deaf musicians to become members of the junior group Brass Roots, where they have the exciting opportunity to develop their musical skills as a vital part of mainstream music-making.

Five different bands, who all operate under the umbrella of Shepherd Bands, are extremely proud of gaining this Award.

This important initiative enables D/deaf young musicians to develop their musical talent and gives them the valuable opportunity to perform with fellow brass musiciansAudrey Brown

Thrilled

Audrey (above) told 4BR: "We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award. This important initiative enables D/deaf young musicians to develop their musical talent and gives them the valuable opportunity to perform with fellow brass musicians.

I would like to say a special thank you to the Shepherd Brass Band for their invaluable support, Sean, whose amazing idea has gone from strength to strength and the 'I Can Play' team at National Centre for Music for their ongoing support and encouragement."

I Can Play' is run by the National Centre for Early Music, with support from the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, Harrogate Deaf Society and Ovingdean Hall Foundation.

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    


Instruments

Band Supplies offers best bet at Cheltenham

September 12 • If you are looking for a sure thing each way bet on deals on top instruments at Cheltenham, out your money on Band Supplies.


NBCA

Pankhurst work dropped for Australian National Championships.

September 12 • Lucy Pankhurst's 'The Ghosts of Industry' has been dropped as the Premier Grade set-work at the 2026 Australian National Championships.


Nationals

Cheltenham performances recorded by Wobplay

September 12 • All the performances at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend will be recorded by Wobplay and available for enjoy again after each section's results.


Evetntz

Ev-entz to provide on-stage sponsorship and exclusive deals

September 12 • The leading percussion hire and retailer will be giving a helping hand to performers on and off stage at Cheltenham this weekend.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


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


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd