In April this year 30 children from Marriott Primary School on the Saffron Lane Estate, Leicester went to the National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Warwick to compete in the Beginners Section.

Amazingly, this new band, which had just a few months of preparation behind it, returned home with the award for 'Band Showing the Most Potential'.

Crowdfunding

Now the pupils and their teachers want to build on that and the band's organisers Drum and Brass CIC are aiming to raise £7,004 via a Crowdfunding campaign to help buy the children new instruments and uniforms and give their band, 'The Brass of the Saff' the opportunity to grow and attract new members.

This project is about pride, identity and the power of music to transform lives, and the local action group has set itself the challenge to make the band a community asset; to embed brass teaching in the community; to raise the standard of playing through peer to peer learning and leadership, and celebrate diversity.

60 new instruments and uniforms

It is hoped that the money raised will help purchase 60 new instruments and uniforms, increase the number of awards and opportunities available through the project, and help produce a CD of the band's music in 2019.

The band, which practices at Marriot Primary School, has already seen its Crowdfund appeal attract 90+ backers who have pledged over £5,000 in support so far!

It is hoped that the money raised will help purchase 60 new instruments and uniforms, increase the number of awards and opportunities available through the project, and help produce a CD of the band's music in 20194BR

Backing

Local Saffron councillors have also offered their backing with an award of £2,250 from their ward community fund.

Ward Councillor, Elly Cutkelvin told 4BR: "This is a really exciting way to attract funding for local projects in our wards, and a great way for community to feel involved.

The opportunity this particular group provides for local kids is brilliant — a fun chance to learn an instrument and develop new skills. We've heard them play and they sound fantastic!"

Meanwhile, Julie Maxwell, Project Manager at Drum and Bass CIC, added: "The support for 'The Brass of the Saff' appeal has been fantastic and we're really grateful to have received so many generous pledges.

We've already had a brilliant experience at the National Youth Brass Band Championships and we want to build on that and make the youth brass band a permanent fixture in the community.

It's such a great channel for the considerable talent in the area that might otherwise go unnoticed."

Pledge support

To pledge support for 'The Brass of the Saff' appeal, which is due to run until 30th November visit:
www.spacehive.com/the-brass-of-the-saff