Radio presenter Nick Plummer is determined to bring the sound of brass bands to a brand new audience ... in South Africa.

The former Sellers Engineering Band tuba player broadcasts on Cape Town's classical music radio station, Fine Music Radio ( www.fmr.co.za) and has been connecting with a fledgling brass band community over the last 10 years with his occasional brass band spotlights.

26 week run

However, he has now persuaded his station management bosses to give him the opportunity to present a 1 hour long programme for a 26 week run dedicated to all things brass banding.

Speaking to 4BR, Nick said: "4BR keeps me informed of what is going on around the banding world, and it's great to see a number of different community stations and internet programmes springing up all over the globe. That's inspired me to give it a go here — and the station management are keen to back the project."

He added: "The occasions when I drop a brass band piece of music into my programme is always well received, so I thought it would be great to expand on it. People would be surprised by how many brass players and fans there are in South Africa and how eager they are to hear more top class bands perform."

It would be great if bands can send me their recordings, new, old, easy listening or test pieces, on mp3 or by email etc, or even send a memory stick or CD with their recordings onNick Plummer

Send your recordings

Nick is also hoping that bands who wish to connect to a new audience, use technology to get in touch with him to get their performances heard.

"It would be great if bands can send me their recordings, new, old, easy listening or test pieces, on mp3 or by email etc, or even send a memory stick or CD with their recordings on.

The station pays for a performing rights licence to SAMRO (South African Music Rights Association) which handles the distribution of royalties, and with over 70,000 listeners I'm sure bands are going to find new fans.

Any help from any bands would be appreciated — and I'll make sure the programme details are posted on 4BR too!"

Get in touch

To get in touch with Nick:
E-mail: nick@fmr.co.za
Fine Music Radio: www.fmr.co.za