*
banner

Balsom's pick up and play

International trumpet star Alison Balsom is helping to keep music alive in schools with a new initiative.

Alison Balsom
 

International trumpet star Alison Balsom, has been encouraging school children to ‘pick up an instrument and play’ as part of a major new nation-wide music education initiative.

Visits

Alison, who will shortly embark on a UK tour celebrating the release of her number one album ‘Paris’, has been visiting schools across the UK to lead a series of introductory music classes for children.

The project aims to more youngsters to take up music, and coincides with the publication of a survey by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music that concluded that inspirational role models like Alison, are one of the most important factors for encouraging children to play an instrument.

pTrumpets

The venture is partnered by the Warwick Music Group, producers of the pTrumpet – 25 of which were donated to the tour.

Alison has already visited Colville Primary School in London, St Martins CE primary school in Birmingham and Moorside Community Primary School in Manchester, with support from The Royal Albert Hall, Sandwell Music and Arts Service (SMAS) and the Salford’s Music and Performing Arts Service (MAPAS).

I couldn’t be more excited about these projects, especially as they will create a long lasting legacy of brass instrumental learningAlison Balsom

Legacy

Alison commented: "I couldn’t be more excited about these projects, especially as they will create a long lasting legacy of brass instrumental learning."

Chris Fower, Director of Education at Warwick Music Group, added: "Alison is inspirational and the children at the schools were enthused by her infectious approach. I am delighted that Alison is directly engaging with the next generation of brass players through these projects."

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    


Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

April 3 • Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band is on the rise! We're off to Cheltenham for the 3rd year running and will be promoted to the 2nd Section. We need YOU to help us go even further! We play ambitious music under a great conductor and are a very sociable bunch.


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd