One of the most innovative bands in the UK has received a massive financial boost as it continues to provide a training scheme pathway for aspiring young players.

£10,000 award

Stalham Brass Band in Norfolk has been running their training project for pupils in local schools since 2012, teaching over 200 youngsters (above) how to play a brass instrument.

They have now been awarded £10,000 to help with the annual costs of its Training Band from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

Impressed

A spokesperson for the Foundation told 4BR: "We are particularly impressed with the positive impact demonstrated on young people's lives by Tim Thirst and Stalham Brass Band."

Such has been the success that 15 youngsters have already made enough progress to join the main Stalham Band — reducing its average age by over a half.

MP

Even the local MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb has become a banding convert, as he added: "Tim Thirst and the Stalham Brass Band do really amazing work providing music training for young people, who might not otherwise have that opportunity.

The band has a long-standing and valued role in the community. It is brilliant to see the enthusiasm of their young musicians."

We are particularly impressed with the positive impact demonstrated on young people's lives by Tim Thirst and Stalham Brass BandAndrew Lloyd Webber Foundation

BBE

The success has also been noted by Brass Bands England, who added their own congratulations: "Stalham and Tim Thirst make a significant difference in the quality and availability of music provision to the young people of the Stalham area and beyond."

Grants

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation run by the musical theatre impresario aims to promote the arts and many of the latest 21 grants, worth more than £630,000, focus on encouraging young talent.

MD Dr. Tim Thirst said they were thrilled with the grant, as the scheme had a track record of boosting youngsters' confidence, while encouraging teamwork, and providing them with a skill for life.