The Red Admiral Music Academy has just launched their newest ensemble, Red Admiral Brass, which gave its debut performance at the recent Brass Factor entertainment contest.

Red Admiral Brass is the sixth band within the Academy set up by Daniel Brooks in 2014. It promotes the development of brass musicianship in Mawdesley and the wider area of Lancashire, and now boasts over 100 playing members and delivers brass tuition and enrichment opportunities to over 200 youngsters in local schools each week.

Latest ensemble

The latest ensemble was launched just over 6 weeks ago to provide greater opportunities for its members at a competitive level, most of whom have been playing for less than 2 years and are almost exclusively, home grown talent.

Having just received confirmation of its Fourth Section grading status, the band travelled across the Pennines to compete alongside a strong Yorkshire line up at the Engine Shed, Wetherby.

There they played a programme centered on the Academy ethos of 'Making Music Fun' and 'Making Music Together', which saw them gain a very creditable third place overall and were runner-up in the popular Audience Vote.

Commitment and determination

Musical Director, Stuart Barton told 4BR: "I can't praise the players enough for their commitment and determination in preparation to come to Brass Factor — and after such a short period of time.

What we've achieved on our debut was simply remarkable and it couldn't have given us a better start to our journey ahead."

What we've achieved on our debut was simply remarkable and it couldn't have given us a better start to our journey aheadConductor, Stuart Barton

Ethos speaks for itself

Academy Director, Daniel Brooks added: "When we first set up the Academy I never envisaged that we would be in such a position to enter competitions such as Brass factor, let alone be challenging to take the winners spots.

Our ethos speaks for itself and that permeates right across the Academy. Along with a great backroom team of tutors and advisors, we know we have a successful model and one that will continue to promote grass roots banding and continue to take the Academy from strength to strength."