Adams Brass flugel artist and brass educator Nicola Shaw, has been shortlisted for an award recognising her contribution to music education across South Manchester.
Since taking a step back from full time banding commitments, over the last three years, Nicola has founded and led five new youth brass ensembles across Didsbury, Chorlton, Hale, and Altrincham — supporting both primary and secondary school students in a fully inclusive and supportive environment.
For each group, Nicola composes and arranges her own flexible band music, designed to accommodate complete beginners to Grade 6+ players, ensuring that they can all perform together in the same ensemble.
At Chorlton CE Primary School, she directs a thriving brass band of 28 students through her work delivered through One Education Music, which has now been recognised by Music Mark, leading to her nomination for the prestigious 'Unsung Hero' Award.
Revolutionised
In their citation in praise of her achievements, they stated: "Nicola has revolutionised music at her school — creating ensembles, inspiring learners, and opening brass opportunities that empower students to excel, perform, and believe in their musical potential."
In response Nicola told 4BR: "All of my students at Chorlton have continued through One Education's 'We Can Play' scheme.
For anyone who doubts the impact of whole-class brass, it really does work! Every child in Year 4 learns brass in a full class environment, and those who want to continue can take lessons in Years 5 and 6 and are invited to join our after-school Brass Band.
She has revolutionised music at her school — creating ensembles, inspiring learners, and opening brass opportunities that empower students to excel, perform, and believe in their musical potentialMusic Mark
Strong pathway
She added: "Last year, 22 out of a class of 30 signed up! Many of those students who started with us two years ago are now at High School, where I teach and lead the wind section in the Big Band — so I get to keep working with them and watch their progression.
We've built a really strong pathway that encourages continuation. It's amazing to have a system in place that can lead to long-term participation."
