Ten bands in the Sheffield area have benefited from support given by Brass Bands England's Senior Liaison Officer, Rachel Veitch-Straw, as they look to build connections with each other and with arts representatives in their city.

Sheffield Brass Network

Connecting under the banner of Sheffield Brass Network, the group's first success was in creating a working party and shared project in the lead up to the 2014 Tour de France 'Grand Depart'.

Now, further high profile opportunities have been realised thanks to work by key members of two of the bands in the network.

Beethoven

In Spring next year, bands in the area will be able to participate in a celebration of brass as part of the 'Music in the Round' annual May Festival, which in 2016 takes the music of Beethoven as its inspiration.

Ideas for involvement include shared performances of Beethoven inspired arrangements from the brass band repertoire filling one of the city squares with sounds of brass. There may also be the possibility of 'pop-up' performances around Sheffield town centre.

The Brass Network has the MD of Woodhouse Prize Band, well-known brass band photographer David Morris, to thank for the connection with the festival.

Sheffield heritage

A further opportunity will see bands invited to be part of the year-long celebration of Sheffield and its heritage. Bands will be encouraged to collaborate with other local performance or arts groups and to perform in new, and perhaps unusual venues.

Loxley Silver Band's Stuart Young, who brought the Sheffield celebration opportunity to the Brass Network, told 4BR: "We can't say too much at present as we are waiting for the official launch of the project, but there will be exciting chances for bands to work with new people and play to new audiences!"

Both projects offer bands exposure, publicity, and something new, but each also carries the chance of funding and financial supportRachel Veitch-Straw

Something new

BBE Senior Liaison Officer Rachel Veitch-Straw told 4BR: "Both projects offer bands exposure, publicity, and something new, but each also carries the chance of funding and financial support. Brass Bands England will be on hand to help bands gain the maximum benefits from these city collaborations."

Contact:

To contact your 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