Shepway Brass Academy in Folkestone, Kent, has celebrated its first year of existence with an anniversary concert that was boosted by news of two major grants that will enable it to continue and expand.

Three divisions

Three divisions of the organisation recently performed to parents and friends at the Folkestone Academy, where Councillor David Monk, leader of Shepway District Council, presented them with a cheque for £15,000 representing the two grants they been awarded.

These comprise £10,000 from the Ministry of Defence Community Covenant Fund, which aims to bring together the civilian and armed forces communities and £5,000 from the Shepway District Council Community Chest.

Delighted to support

Cllr Monk said: “Instead of using their thumbs to play on computer games, it is great to see young people using many more fingers and making such fantastic music. This is just the kind of project we are delighted to support.”

The money will be used to buy instruments and music, as well as encourage more children, particularly from local military families, to join the band.

New recruits

Shepway Brass Academy, founded and led by brass teacher Christer Aberg, has been running for a year, with the newest recruits joining in September.

For just £1 per week, children aged 8-18 can learn to play on a brass instrument, which they can also take home. There are four sections, ranging from complete beginners to experienced young musicians, taught and mentored by Christer and a volunteer team.

Shepway Brass Academy has done wonders for my children. They love coming to rehearsals and have made many new friends. Performing in public has boosted their confidenceParent, Moira Kyle

Confidence boost

Moira Kyle, a parent who has three children in the band, told 4BR: “Shepway Brass Academy has done wonders for my children. They love coming to rehearsals and have made many new friends. Performing in public has boosted their confidence.”