The 'significant impact' of the work of Brass Bands England has seen the organisation claim the prestigious Music Teacher Magazine 'Editor's Award' at the Music and Drama Education Awards (MDEA) 2025.
The awards celebrate the contribution made by professionals, schools, companies, charities and other organisations to the lives of others through the medium of music and drama.
Significant impact
In particular they acknowledge individuals, schools, and organisations that have made a significant impact in these fields by showcasing excellence in teaching, innovation, and leadership.
The various awards are shortlisted by a panel of industry experts, with the 'Editor's Award' given by Phil Croydon, the Editor of Music Teacher Magazine.
Outstanding commitment
In his address he stated: "This Award is in recognition of BBE's outstanding commitment to brass banding in the community, to instrumental teaching in schools, and for the collective contribution of Youth Development Brass Specialists in BBE.
They provide a comprehensive service to our sector, ranging from fundraising and safeguarding advice to organising festivals and training events."
Brass Foundations
That referred to the work of BBE's five 'Youth Development' specialists that lead its award winning 'Brass Foundations' programme since 2021. The initiative was a finalist in the MDEA 'Outstanding Musical Initiative' category in 2023.
Members of the Brass Foundations team were at the Awards night in London, with BBE's Deirdre Waller-Box telling 4BR: "I'd like to thank Phil and Music Teacher Magazine for recognising BBE's work in brass education and community banding with this award.
This achievement reflects not only the dedication of our team but also the incredible work being undertaken by the community brass bands, music hubs, schools and arts organisations that we have the privilege of partnering with.
It is a real honour for BBE to be receiving this award at such an inspiring event, surrounded by so many outstanding contributors in the field of music and drama education."
It is a real honour for BBE to be receiving this award at such an inspiring event, surrounded by so many outstanding contributors in the field of music and drama educationBBE's Deirdre Waller-Box
Magazine feature
Deirdre recently spoke to Phil about BBE's outreach work for the December issue of the Magazine and has just presented at the Music and Drama Education Expo, which ran alongside the awards, leading a workshop on how to prepare an engaging group performance in a single session.
You can hear more from Deirdre in Music Teacher Magazine's February edition, which will include her article 'From Sound to Symbol' on her approach to teaching notation in whole class ensembles.
