The Brass Band Podcast

Young People, Big Ideas and the Future of Banding

In the final episode of Series 2, Sarah Baumann is joined by guest host Deirdre (Dee) Waller-Box, Brass Bands England’s Youth Development Manager, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of brass banding’s future: what do young people actually want, and what needs to happen to help them stay involved? Together, they explore the often tricky 18-to-25 stage of life — when responsibilities and priorities change, instruments sometimes get left at home, university or work takes over, and banding can quietly slip away. But this episode is not about doom and gloom. It is about possibility. From youth leadership roles to adapting the way we communicate, the discussion looks at how bands and organisations can and should stop making assumptions and start listening. The episode features two brilliant voices from Brass Bands England’s Youth Voice Working Group: Daniel Hutchins and Ilya Ruchiev. Daniel brings the perspective of a composition student at the Royal College of Music and cornet player with GUS, while Ilya shares his route into banding — from a complete beginner in Warwick University’s training band to recently performing at the UniBrass contest and winning the Spirit of UniBrass award. Their stories are full of energy, honesty and ideas, from university banding and beginner pathways to festivals, work with schools, barriers to access, and making brass banding feel fun, visible and open to everyone. There is also a wider look at the practical work happening behind the scenes at Brass Bands England. Sarah and Dee reflect on youth internships, the value of including young people from the very start of a project, and the relaunch of the Brass Foundations offer [http://bbe.org.uk/brass-foundations], including Momentum Hub, Leader Lab, Enable Resources and the Future Leaders Programme. Add in Sarah’s own beginner banding journey, a celebration of community music-making, and a shout for more bands to think boldly about their next generation, and this episode is an uplifting, thoughtful and timely closer to the series. For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Youth Music for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this series in full, head to www.wobplay.com [https://www.wobplay.com/]. Hosts: Sarah Baumann (COO, Brass Bands England [https://www.bbe.org.uk/]) and Deirdre Waller-Box (Youth Development Manager at Brass Bands England [https://www.bbe.org.uk/], Musical Director of London Metropolitan Brass Community Band, Training Porgramme Lead at Amersham Band) Episode Guests: * Daniel Hutchins [https://www.danielhutchins.co.uk/] (Composer, Royal College of Music and Cornet, The GUS Band) * Ilya Ruchiev [https://brasssoc.com/team-showcase/dion-rudakubana/] (Warwick University Brass Band) Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):  * Prismatic Light [https://wobplay.com/view?asset_id=DOYCD357] (Alan Fernie) Foden's Youth Band Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann [https://link.peterbaumann.co.uk/the-brass-band-podcast]

Are We Still Taking Risks? Gavin Higgins & Naomi Hill on Commissioning & Composing

It’s time to take a deep dive into one of the most defining aspects of brass band culture — its music!  In this episode, Kenny & Sarah explore how commissioning and composition have shaped the sound of banding for over a century, from the historic Labour and Love in 1913 to today’s bold new works. The conversation traces how that commissioning culture built the very foundations of brass band repertoire, and why keeping it alive is vital for the future. Kenny recalls the golden era of the 1970s and 80s when every new contest brought another unforgettable work — Cloudcatcher Fells, Harmony Music, Contest Music — each pushing players and audiences alike. But are today’s contests and, of course, bands more generally, doing enough to commission new works that match that same spirit of adventure? We’ve got a fascinating conversation with decorated composer Gavin Higgins (winner of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award, Sky Arts Award, Critics Circle Award and two Ivor Novello Awards), whose acclaimed works such as So Spoke Albion and Destroy, Trample, as Swiftly as She have redefined modern brass band writing. Gavin speaks passionately about why brass bands must champion living composers, arguing that without new music, “we just become a museum”. He also reflects on his long-standing collaboration with Tredegar Band, his experiences at the Proms, and how the brass band world can and should open its doors wider to diverse voices and bold ideas, particularly those from outside the brass banding world. Sarah speaks with emerging composer Naomi Hill, whose thoughtful insights as both an educator and a writer highlight the challenges, but also the hopes, of young musicians breaking into the scene. Naomi discusses what inspired her to compose, the importance of normalising composition for young learners, and shares an idea about how we might make it easier for bands and composers to connect. For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Youth Music for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this series in full, head to https://www.wobplay.com/www.wobplay.com [https://www.wobplay.com/]. Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, https://www.bbe.org.uk/Brass Bands England [https://www.bbe.org.uk/]) Episode Guests: * Gavin Higgins [https://www.gavinhiggins.com/] (Composer) * Naomi Hill [https://www.brookwrightmusic.com/team-1/naomi-hill] (Composer & Educator, Conductor of Elland Starter Band) Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):  * So Spoke Albion [https://wobplay.com/view?asset_id=pAzvmpE17W&segment_id=JvWjqdz2eQ] (Gavin Higgins), Tredegar Town Band Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann [https://link.peterbaumann.co.uk/the-brass-band-podcast]

The Next Generation of Brass Band Leaders

This special episode captures one of the standout sessions from the recent Brass Band Conference — The Next Generation of Brass Band Leaders. Hosted by Katrina Marzella-Wheeler at Redhills Durham Miners Hall, the panel brings together four remarkable young voices shaping the future of brass banding: composer Franklin Onyeso, content creator and writer Liv Richardson, fundraiser and band manager Gregor Spence, and conductor-composer Daniel Hall. Together, they tackle one of the most vital questions in banding — how can we empower the next generation of leaders to take the stage, the stand, and the strategy room with confidence? From age bias and mentorship to modernising contests and harnessing the power of social media, the conversation brims with honesty and insight. Back in the studio, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston reflect on the conference’s highlights — from Martin Green’s stirring keynote to the Flowers Band’s creative workshop — and pay tribute to the late Duncan Beckley MBE, a true pioneer of brass banding. And if all that’s not enough, we’ve got a MAJOR update on Sarah’s banding progress! This episode reminds that tradition and innovation aren’t opposites but partners in progress. We hope you find it an inspiring listen that celebrates the passion, talent, and determination shaping the next chapter of the brass band world. For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Youth Music for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this series in full, head to https://www.wobplay.com/www.wobplay.com [https://www.wobplay.com/]. Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, https://www.bbe.org.uk/Brass Bands England [https://www.bbe.org.uk/]) Episode Guests: * Katrina Marzella-Wheeler (Conductor) * Franklin Onyeso [https://franklinonyeso.com/] (Composer, Conductor and Pianist) * Liv Richardson [https://www.itsnotatrumpet.com/] (Content Creator, Writer at It’s Not A Trumpet [https://www.itsnotatrumpet.com/], Digital Marketing Specialist & Brass Band Musician) * Gregor Spence (Band Manager of The Flowers Band) * Daniel Hall [https://www.danielhall.uk/] (Professional Composer, Arranger and Conductor) Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann [https://link.peterbaumann.co.uk/the-brass-band-podcast]

BONUS Mini-clip - Has Sarah Made Any Progress??

We promised you updates on Sarah’s cornet-playing challenge… and here’s a quick one!

How is brass banding good for the brain?

This time on The Brass Band Podcast, Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston are joined by a very special guest: Dr Anita Collins – a globally respected music educator, researcher and advocate. Known for her TED Talk What If Every Child Had Music Education From Birth? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueqgenARzlE], Anita brings decades of expertise on how music-making transforms the brain. Brass banding is so much more than notes on a page. Sarah and Kenny reflect on their own music education journeys. From Kenny’s start in the 1970s to Sarah’s more ‘traditional’ route, both explore how learning an instrument shaped not only their musicianship but also their outlook on life. Together, they consider the intergenerational nature of brass bands – from children sitting beside seasoned players, to parents rediscovering music alongside their own kids – and the powerful sense of community this fosters. Anita then takes listeners deep into the science. She explains how playing an instrument physically reshapes the brain, boosting language skills, executive function, memory, resilience and social connection. From the way brass players’ heartbeats synchronise when breathing together, to the fascinating hidden link between music and surgical dexterity, this episode will change the way you think about practice and performance. The episode also tackles advocacy: how to persuade schools, parents and communities that music isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Anita shares real-world stories of schools using music to improve academic results, and medical faculties urging future surgeons to pick up an instrument.  This one is packed full of essential tips and tools for musicians, students, teachers, parents and guardians alike! For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Youth Music for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to https://www.wobplay.com/www.wobplay.com [https://www.wobplay.com/]. Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, https://www.bbe.org.uk/Brass Bands England [https://www.bbe.org.uk/]) Episode Guests: * Dr Anita Collins [https://www.anitacollinsmusic.com.au/] * Sheila Allen (Brass Foundations Programme Manager) Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):  * A Gabrielli Fantasy [https://wobplay.com/view?asset_id=WVa1XebvPy] (Bert Appermont), Brass Band Treize Etoiles Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann [https://link.peterbaumann.co.uk/the-brass-band-podcast]