Following a successful application round, Brass Bands England (BBE) recently launched its first Brass Foundations: Future Leaders' Programme with a successful workshop weekend in Sheffield.
Equipping new leaders
Built around the RSL Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Music & Performing Arts Learning, the programme looks to equip those hoping to, or who are already leading youth brass bands in the UK in musical and practical approaches to delivering quality sessions to brass learners.
It introduces creative and engaging delivery strategies, safe practice, planning and specific administrative tasks involved in working with children and young people. Alongside group sessions and workshops, the programme offers 1:1 support and individual mentorship by BBE's Brass Foundations team.
Demand
BBE's Learning Manager Sheila Allen told 4BR: "The programme has been developed due to the demand. There has been a clear need for support, skills development and networking opportunities for those involved in leading music-making with children and young people in community settings.
The workshop weekend was a fantastic opportunity to see the range of skills and experience our eight candidates had to offer, and to see how they will develop and learn from each other across this academic year."
It's so exciting to know that other people are doing the same thing as you. This weekend was both validating and challengingFuture Leaders' participant
Exciting
The course continues over an academic year with certification to follow next summer, with one candidate stating: "It's so exciting to know that other people are doing the same thing as you. This weekend was both validating and challenging."
