Brass United (formerly known as Vaganza Brass) are set to open their doors ahead of their challenge at the National University Brass Band Championships in Lancaster later this month.

Students

The band, made up of students from the University of Manchester and Royal Northern College of Music, came into existence as part of the University’s 70th birthday celebrations for John McCabe, and has since gone from strength to strength.

Hectic schedules

Whilst continuing with their studies and college commitments, members of the band have hectic schedules playing for bands such as Leyland, Fodens, Grimethorpe, Faireys, Pemberton and Marsden, but manage to come together for three sessions prior to each Brass United engagement.

Brass United brings together students from the RNCM and University of Manchester to form a top class band which is entirely student runMatthew White

Pre contest performance

The band will perform as part of the Walter Carroll Lunchtime Concert Series at the University of Manchester on the 18th February, before making the trip to Lancaster on the 19th February for their assault on the ‘Uni Brass’ title.

Student run

Matthew White, the band’s principal euphonium and soloist for the upcoming events, commented to 4BR: "Brass United brings together students from the RNCM and University of Manchester to form a top class band which is entirely student run.

Being so busy with our studies, we don’t have much time to rehearse, but always have a lot of fun and are really looking forward to the upcoming events!"