Derwent Brass has been announced as a winner of one of this year's Making Music Awards.

Now in their fourth year, the awards from the UK's largest membership organisation for leisure time music groups were presented by their President, composer Debbie Wiseman OBE.

Making Music Green

Derwent Brass claimed the 'Making Music Green' award in recognition of the way in which they have strived to make a "meaningful and measurable impact on their day to day operations"by improving their environmental sustainability. This was done through working on six sustainability pledges throughout 2022.

The awards panel consisted of Rhiannon Harrison (Chair of Making Music), Alice Nicolay (Senior Officer, Arts Council England), Barbara Eifler (Chief Executive of Making Music) and Harriet Laidler (Project Administrator at Making Music).

Improve the world

In response to the award, Derwent Brass stated: "Thank you so much to Making Music for the opportunity and well done to all those who were shortlisted!

Every group that entered has done something to improve the world we live in, and with that collective attitude, sustainable strides can be made."

They added: "We look forward to sharing more with you all some of the things we have been doing to make meaningful long-lasting change and achieve this recognition.

Lastly, congratulations to Making Music for their continued enterprise and for bringing this all new and much needed award in 2023 — we are honoured to be the first recipients and wish you the very best for its continued success in the future."

Benefits

Speaking about the awards, Barbara Eifler, Chief Executive of Making Music, said: "The benefits of leisure-time music groups to their participants and their communities are now well-recognised, and these awards give us the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and share their stories with a wider public.

Once again I have been bowled over by the variety and quality of these nominations and delighted we are able to shine a well-deserved spotlight on them."

Every group that entered has done something to improve the world we live in, and with that collective attitude, sustainable strides can be madeDerwent Brass

Winners:

Best music creator for leisure time music group: Richard Blackford for his cantata, 'Babel' for choir and small orchestra.

Best arranger for leisure time music group: Fran Carter for 'Treat People With Kindness' for a women's a capella chorus in Surrey.

Best project with a focus on new music: 'Composher' project initiative devised by Glasgow School of Art Choir.

Lady Hilary Groves Prize: Chritopher Green for his inspiration behind a wide range of amateur music projects in Suffolk.

President's Award: Brian Woodley of The Blackheath Choir.