Shepway Brass Academy, the children and young people's band based in Folkestone in Kent, is going from strength to strength after signing up six new beginners at its recent Open Day.

The Academy has been in existence for three years, and now has four sections: Intermediate, Training, Developers and Beginners.

Local youngsters

Over 50 children from the Shepway region covering Folkestone, Hythe and the Romney Marsh, take part in the band, which rehearses every Saturday in Folkestone.

Local youngsters can learn to play with the band, working their way up the groups, and have an instrument to take home and practise for just £1 per week.

Dream

The band was the dream of Christer Aberg, a widely respected brass band leader who lived in the area until 2015 when he returned to his native Sweden.

It is now led by MD, Paul Driscoll, with the support of local brass musicians who help with teaching and conducting, and other volunteers who work behind the scenes.

It's great to see that our group is thriving. Our young players gain so much more from playing together than just making music — they develop friendships, leadership and social skills MD, Paul Driscoll

Thriving

Paul commented: "It's great to see that our group is thriving. Our young players gain so much more from playing together than just making music — they develop friendships, leadership and social skills.

They also have opportunities to help younger or less skilled players through tutoring in groups or conducting."