Whilst visiting Uganda to work with the Uganda People's Defence Force Military Band, The Band of the King's Division have been fortunate to form a growing relationship with the musical charity 'Brass for Africa'.
The brainchild of British Airways pilot Jim Trott who had the initial idea whilst helping to store 30 old brass instruments destined for the scrapheap, it has become an inspirational focus of work helping under-privileged children in Uganda.
Project
After several meetings with Bosco Segawa, founder of the M-Lisada Organisation, a project that runs orphanages in Kampala, Jim managed to raise enough money to ship the old instruments to Africa and eventually set up the charity.
Since the first delivery of instruments in 2009, 'Brass for Africa' has grown enormously, and the charity now boasts its own rehearsal facilities, an instrument repair workshop and a programme of training so that older children can become the teachers of the new generation.
The success of the work has been boosted by the support of the musical world — with the renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom its high profile Patron, and other leading performers, composers and conductors all providing proactive help.
Workshop visit
On their recent visit, The Band of the King's Division had the pleasure of being invited along to help provide some workshops with the young musicians, as Director of Music, Captain Stewart Halliday explained.
"As a new capability within the Corps of Army Music we travel around plenty of schools and colleges in the UK showcasing what a military brass band can do — and are always impressed by so many young people who have a real love for making music.
However, there is undoubtedly something special about the children at 'Brass for Africa'. It is humbling to hear about the lives they led before finding M-Lisada and the charity, and to see how they have become transformed."
Joyful confidence
He added: "They are filled with joyful confidence, a maturity and responsibility to help others and have an exponential capacity for self-learning and improvement.
Their creativity knows no bounds either, as we found out when we were welcomed by a stirring rendition of the iconic brass band march 'Slaidburn' complete with rock drum beat!"
2017 is the third consecutive year the 'Kings' has visited the 'Brass for Africa' charity, and in that time the improvements made by the musicians has been nothing short of remarkable.
Stewart revealed that he felt that each visit has seen an increase in the total number of musicians being taught, as well as the general standard of musicianship.
Be inspired
He concluded: "We look forward to many more visits to play alongside these inspirational young musicians. You cannot help but see the joy that music brings to the lives of these young enthusiastic brass players.
Despite difficult conditions and battered instruments, there exists such a rich seam of musical spirit, similar to which spurned the creation of brass bands in industrial towns and villages of Britain."
It is humbling to hear about the lives they led before finding M-Lisada and the charity, and to see how they have become transformedDirector of Music, Captain Stewart Halliday
In concert
The 'Kings' are on their travels again this summer when they will be appearing at 'Basal Tattoo' in Switzerland, although later today (Thursday 23rd) they will be performing in concert at Blackpool Salvation Army Citadel (Raikes Parade).
The free concert sees the doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start for a programme of real brass band favourites — from the 'BBCF' march and 'Le Roi d'Ys' overture, to 'Vitae Aeturnum', Philip Sparke's 'Partita' and some cracking solo spotlights.
