The Sheffield Youth Brass Collective, a new brass band generated by a partnership between the Sheffield Music Hub, the Sheffield Brass Network and Brass Bands England, recently got together for its first rehearsal.

For the past several months, the organisations have been liaising on a new pilot ensemble aimed at young brass and percussion players across the Sheffield region, with the aim that it would welcome as many young players while at the same time ensuring that any alliances with existing brass bands remained unaffected.

Exciting project

Now, the Sheffield Youth Brass Collective will enable brass and percussion players up to the age of 18 and of Grade 3 to Grade 8 level, to take part in the exciting project.

The first rehearsal successfully took place last weekend with more than 50 youngsters enjoying the experience, with a second to be held on 10th February at the University of Sheffield Diamond Building.

Ian Naylor, Head of Music at the Sheffield Music Hub, who opened the first rehearsal, said that the event was, "by bands, for bands, and with bands."4BR

Gala performance

The pilot project will culminate in a special Music Hub gala performance at the Octagon Centre on 24th March where the ensemble will play a contemporary selection of music led by Musical Director, Rob Horscroft.

Ian Naylor, Head of Music at the Sheffield Music Hub, who opened the first rehearsal, said that the event was, "by bands, for bands, and with bands."

Due to the enormous positive interest, plans are already being considered to extend the initiative, with Stuart Young, secretary of the Sheffield Brass Network telling 4BR: "This will undoubtedly benefit the 10 brass bands within the Sheffield city boundary and the 40 or so more within the wider Sheffield city region".