About BigBrass

The BigBrass programme will enable forty-five young people to play lower brass instruments including trombones, baritone horns, euphoniums and tubas.

Currently there is a serious shortfall in the number of children playing lower brass instruments, this is an identified national issue and the BigBrass programme seeks to address this problem in North East Lincolnshire.

The scheme will be promoted to young people through a wide range of media opportunities and everyone will be welcome. Young people will be able to access information about the programme and download an application form on-line. BigBrass will provide an online presence allowing young people to access resources and receive support.

The BigBrass programme will consist of five ten-week courses, each consisting of 10 sessions for the equivalent of twenty minutes per individual, for example – a shared forty minutes lesson. They will also have a further point of supervised practice and support provided by their Music Makers on a weekly basis.

They will be provided with quality instruments, sheet music and other resources as required. They will be encouraged to take part in group music making at the earliest possible stage, and as part of each ten week course all members of the project will join together for a half-day session playing together with inspirational leadership.

Music Lincs, the organisation that provides instrumental and vocal music services across the area in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, is supporting the BigBrass programme. Robert Egerton and Geoffrey Green, members of Music Lincs, are committed to the BigBrass programme and developing opportunities for engaging young people with music. These individuals are experienced brass teachers, working with young people both in schools, providing tuition and ensemble activities, and in local youth music organisations, including the GCDYO and East Coast Elite. We believe the combined experiences and skills of the Music Makers bring great strength to the BigBrass programme.

Dennis Rollins has offered to act as mentor to the Music Makers throughout the project. The Music Makers will be involved with workshops and concerts delivered throughout the project by external groups to motivate involvement with instrumental music in general.

With the support of musicians such as Dennis Rollins, both teachers and young people are being encouraged to use technology to make the playing of brass instruments more exciting and relevant to youth musical taste. The online presence will give the programme both increased value and relevance.

This scheme represents excellent value for money. The requested financial contribution to parents/guardians will be limited to £3.50 per week (£35.00 per course) to include all tuition and playing opportunities, the use of a quality instrument and insurance. A remissions policy will ensure that no child will be denied access to the scheme for financial reasons.