*
banner

BrassEx link proves to be great success

A pilot link between Sheffield's Foundry Studios and the brass band community proved to be a highly successful first partnership step.

bRASS eX
  The BrassEx exhibition and open day event at Sheffield's Foundry Studios was a great success.

Visitors and traders alike enjoyed a highly interesting and successful day at the recent BrassEx exhibition.

The event, devised by Sheffield-based Foundry Studios and supported by Brass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw, was aimed at offering information, ideas and support for all things brass, as well as developing collaboration opportunities, offering studio tours, and supporting the Music for All, 'Learn to Play Day' initiative.

Spearhead

Spearheaded by Loxley Silver Band, the 'Learn to Play Day' stall attracted eager non-players as well as current performers wanting to try a different instrument, with Band spokesperson Stuart Young telling 4BR: "We even had a baritone player who fell in love with the flugelhorn! We just hope we haven't inadvertently caused a dilemma when they get back to their band!"

On the trade stalls, Your Logo Here's Lloyd Shipp was certainly pleased with the atmosphere: "The guys at the Foundry have been immensely supportive, they've really gone out of their way to make us comfortable,"he told 4BR.

"I've had been some interesting enquiries, both brass and workwear focused, and I've got a few other plans afoot as a result."

Youngsters

Young people certainly had the most fun — especially those with an eye on the music business as a career choice.

A chance to see how the huge 72 channel mixing desk worked and Foundry Studios' 'walk through' of a recording session were full of eager participants, with the familiar sound of the ladies of Boobs & Brass providing the background music taken from their recent recording session at the studios.

Recording draw

Winners of the popular draw to win a day's recording package worth over £1,000 were local band Unite the Union, with plans already being made for a themed album.

Unite MD, John Roberts, was also one of the day's speakers, keeping the audience entertained and informed with his opinions and anecdotes, whilst Brass Bands England were on hand to talk to offer much needed funding support information.

This was a great pilot event that we now hope to build on. The studios were great hosts and what they have to offer to the brass band community is amazingBrass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw

Great pilot

Brass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw told 4BR: "This was a great pilot event that we now hope to build on. The studios were great hosts and what they have to offer to the brass band community is amazing. Our thanks go to everyone involved and this was certainly a great first step by the studio in supporting brass bands.

Brass Ex is planned to be an annual brass extravaganza and will grow from its bijou beginnings, so watch this space!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd