In addition to its global musical reputation, Welsh champion Cory has strengthened its profile as one of the most visible brass bands in the world by surpassing 110,000 social media followers.
And according to their Ali Woodman, the person who drives their social media presence, the milestone also underlines the increasing importance of digital engagement in bringing brass band music to audiences far beyond the traditional concert stage.
He told 4BR: "We are of course incredibly proud to have reached 110,000 followers, but what excites us most is the community we've built around the band. Every day we gain new followers from across Europe, America, Australasia, Asia and beyond who have discovered Cory through social media interaction."
Encourages
He added: "What's more, many of those had never experienced brass bands before. If our content encourages someone to attend a concert, listen to a recording, learn an instrument or simply discover the incredible music our movement has to offer, then we've achieved something genuinely worthwhile."
Over recent years, Cory has been a leader in developing a distinctive online presence, combining concert performances, solo features, rehearsal footage and behind-the-scenes content with regular coverage of its contest successes, performances and tours.
New audiences
The approach on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Tik-Tok and X has generated a huge number of content views as well as increasing the profile of banding in general, to new audiences — including a recent feature of solo performer videos from principal players Kyle Lawson, Brett Baker and Darcy Beck, adding a further level of engagement.
Ali added that there is also a commercial aspect to enhancing social media profiles with Cory's partners such as Besson, Adams Percussion and Michael Rath Trombones all benefiting from their long-term associations with the band.
Social media gives us the opportunity to reach people who may never walk through the doors of a brass band concert hall. It's one of the most powerful tools we have to inspire the next generation of players and listenersAli Woodman
Reach people
"Social media gives us the opportunity to reach people who may never walk through the doors of a brass band concert hall. It's one of the most powerful tools we have to inspire the next generation of players and listeners.
The response to our recent content has been phenomenal, and it shows there's a huge audience for brass and percussion playing when it's presented in an engaging way. No wonder we are excited about where we can take our online presence next."
Follow:
How to follow Cory online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coryband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoryband1884
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coryband
X: https://x.com/Coryband
