*
banner

No imminent return to rehearsals or performance for English brass bands

The latest official Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) guidance limits the playing of brass instruments in groups, or in front of an audience to professionals only.

cORNO
  The latest guidance will come as a huge bow to brass bands

Any thoughts of an imminent return to rehearsals or performance for brass bands in England (details for Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be announced) are to remain on hold for the foreseeable future.

It follows the publication of the latest guidance for people working in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Higher risk

The guidance, which supersedes any previously issued, states clearly that; "Non-professionals should currently not engage in singing or playing wind and brass instruments with other people given these activities pose a potentially higher risk of transmission and whilst research is ongoing."

It is further emphasised by stating: "Singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments in groups, or in front of an audience, is limited to professionals only (ie. for work purposes only)."

The DCMS guidance also outlines the risk assessment that they feel that singing and brass instrument playing pose: "Singing and playing wind and brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and the absence presently of developed scientific analysis to assess this specific risk. The evidence is being developed rapidly."

BBE informed

After enquiring about the guidance, Brass Bands England was informed by a representative of the DCMS that; "All Government guidance is continually updated in line with the latest public health advice.

We completely appreciate how keen people are to get back to performing together, and as you may have seen we are funding a study into the risks around brass instruments.

But for the moment playing brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and therefore should not be conducted by groups of non-professionals at this stage."

playing brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and therefore should not be conducted by groups of non-professionals at this stageDCMS

Further research

It was revealed that in the interim period the DCMS has stated that it will commission, "...further scientific studies to be carried out to develop robust scientific data for these activities. Existing and emerging evidence will be analysed to assist the development of policy and guidelines."

They added: "The Secretary of State has also commissioned a scientific study on the risks associated with singing and brass instruments which will be done in partnership with Public Health England, professional musicians from the Royal Opera House and the BBC, and scientists from Imperial College, London and Bristol University.

This will help inform our work on getting the performing arts fully back up and running safely, by testing what can be done safely."

More information

The published 'phased return' to professional performing arts remains in place.

The new guidance from the DCMS can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


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


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Phillip Lawrence

ARCM PGRNCM MFTCL ARCM B.Mus
Composer, conductor, teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd