*
banner

Brassettes podcast launched

A new podcast series focusing on supporting and celebrating female brass musicians has just been launched.

Brassettes
  The podcast aims to support as well as inspire

This weekend a group of women will met in Durham for the very first 'Brassettes Bottomless Brunch' (BBB).

It marked the official launch of the 'Brassettes Podcast', with founder Joanne Behan telling 4BR, that the get-together was not just a great opportunity for celebration, but that it also marked the formation of a supportive network of women in music who aim to inspire and uplift each other.

Catalyst

Jo told 4BR that idea came at a very wet Durham Miners Gala last July. Huddled together outside in the rain the women from different bands passed the time chatting, laughing and sharing experiences.

"We were absolutely soaked to the skin, but the energy and warmth we shared was amazing and the time flew by. That was the catalyst — the shared experiences and the support that came from it.

The promise to meet up again was made and now we have done just that."

Grown

Such has been the success that what started as an online group of just five people has now grown to over 130 — creating a space where women can connect and support each other.

"Now I'm planning more events in 2025," Jo added. "Now the invitation is simply to forget about banding problems and let's get together for coffee, lunch or a Brassette's brunch. They are for all ages and all levels of banding. We want to support female players and foster a strong sense of community."

I've always been fascinated by people's stories, and I love to chat, so it made sense to start a podcast. It's the perfect platform to share knowledge and inspire other playersJoanne Behan

Podcast

The Brassettes Podcast is part of that as Jo explained. "I've always been fascinated by people's stories, and I love to chat, so it made sense to start a podcast. It's the perfect platform to share knowledge and inspire other players.

I'm also excited to build a little history with these recorded episodes — it'll be amazing to have something for the archives, for posterity. I'd love to run the Podcasts for the whole of 2025 — and after that, anything else is a bonus."

First episodes

The first two episodes of the Brassettes Podcast are already online, featuring chats with women in banding.

The first episode features Jillian Dixon, Band Manager of EverReady Band, and the second is with Kat Bentham, a flugel player who has relocated to Japan with her family to teach music.

https://youtu.be/soHusbCwZG4?si=gD3ieV3L_D5JK0Rk

https://open.spotify.com/show/1b74BWlLXprRi8Pbkgqkfw

Get in touch

The Brassettes Podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify, and Jo is always on the lookout for more guests to join the conversation. You can contact Jo at: jo@encoredesignpublicity.co.uk

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd