In a bold development of their second Autumn Music Course, Sheffield Music Hub has taken some exciting new steps forward in engaging new young players.
Give it a Go
With assistance of Brass Band England's Liaison Officer Rachel Veitch-Straw the 'Give it a Go' workshops gave 35 youngsters the opportunity to try an instrument for the first time, with youngsters able to woodwind, strings and brass, followed by fun sessions learning basic techniques and tunes culminating in a performance for eager parents.
It proved to be a great success with 7 year old Ethan summing up he is enjoyment — "You could go 'Wooo' really loud!" and Nadia aged 8 adding; "I enjoyed playing an instrument, … I had a chance to play real music and it made me smile inside."
Smiling inside and out
No wonder Rachel Veitch-Straw was full of smiles inside and out herself as she explained to 4BR: "Sheffield Music Hub value the fact that in the Sheffield Brass Network, there are ten bands working together to offer safe and high-quality musical opportunities to young people in the area.
They have made the amazing promise that every child who wishes to play brass will have the chance to do so. This is made possible by the connections we've facilitated between the bands and the Music Hub."
Export route
After the simple and highly successful first step, Brass Bands England and the Sheffield Hub are meeting to plan new collaborations which will offer yet more exhilarating music-making adventures, with Rachel keen to export the idea to other Music Hub areas.
It proved to be a great success with 7 year old Ethan summing up he is enjoyment — "You could go 'Wooo' really loud!" and Nadia aged 8 adding; "I enjoyed playing an instrument, … I had a chance to play real music and it made me smile inside"4BR
Contact:
Any Hubs or other arts organisations wishing to link with local brass bands are invited to contact their regional Liaison Officer:
Yorkshire & Humberside, North, North West: Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk
Midlands and South West: Darren@brassbandsengland.co.uk
East Anglia, London & Southern Counties: Vicky@brassbandsengland.co.uk
