Brass Bands England has highlighted the success of bands and organisations that have received awards from the Norman Jones Trust Fund, which it administers.

Tireless

A former Secretary of the British Federation of Brass Bands (now BBE), Norman worked tirelessly for the benefit of brass banding and made a generous bequest in his will to help member bands and organisations.

The recipients of this latest funding round all have a youth focus, with creative projects seeking to move banding into the future.

Opportunities

The Shepway Brass Academy, which offers free musical opportunities for young people in the Shepway area of Kent, received £1,500.

Their project is run in conjunction with partners including Kent Soundhub, who have also generously awarded funds to support the programme which offers free music tuition to children whatever their family’s financial situation.

It is hoped that through its work, up to 90 local children will benefit from learning to play a brass instrument through a community brass band.

The Academy will encourage new players through its imaginative and inspirational 3 year project as well as offering young players the chance to progress through the ABRSM Grade system.

Young film makers

Meanwhile, City of Birmingham Band will use its £1,000 award to support their young film-maker’s competition.

The imaginative venture is part of the band’s ‘Silent Movies’ concert which will take place in October, with the band providing the musical accompaniment to the winning films.

There is a special under-16’s category to attract young film makers in particular.

Wychavon

The popular Wychavon Festival of Brass gained a £750 award to support its ‘Young Composer’ event which will be featured at its competition weekend this September.

Pershore

In addition, the recent Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival put its £1,350 award to fine use by sponsoring the use for the grand marquee and youth event.

We are enormously proud to be able to offer direct support to bands in this way. We are encouraging all our member bands to apply to the Norman Jones Trust fund, which is a wonderful legacyRachel Veitch-Straw

Proud

BBE Liaison Officer Rachel Veitch-Straw, told 4BR: "We are enormously proud to be able to offer direct support to bands in this way.

We are encouraging all our member bands to apply to the Norman Jones Trust fund, which is a wonderful legacy."

More information

Any interested bands should contact Rachel directly via: Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk