Three schools in Huddersfield have taken part in a series of creative workshops commissioned by Brass Bands England.
In partnership with Heritage Quay and Shape North and thanks to funding from the National Lottery Fund and the ScottishPower Foundation, children from Birkby Junior School, Mount Pleasant Primary School and Paddock Junior School have enjoyed the musical workshops.
The workshops bring to life the Brass Bands Archive (BBA), the world’s largest archive dedicated to preserving global brass band heritage.
It’s publicly accessible to researchers, brass bands enthusiasts and anyone else hoping to learn from over a century of banding heritage.
Located at the University of Huddersfield, users will be able to view the archive in a state-of-the-art reading room.
The BBA documents the evolution of brass band music and shine a light on the people who contributed to the development of brass banding, including composers, arrangers, conductors, publishers, sponsors, and competing and non-competing bands.
Shape North director Kathy Coates-Mohammed said: “Shape North is having a great time working in partnership with Brass Bands England, introducing the joy of brass banding to audiences of children in Huddersfield, through new and creative ways.
“Our young brass band detectives are thoroughly enjoying discovering the heritage of this important musical movement by having the opportunity to explore the Brass Bands Archive artefacts first hand.
“They have had the chance to taste playing a brass instrument themselves and have created some amazing artwork too. Who knew history could be so much fun!”
Brass Bands England chief operating officer Sarah Baumann added: “This programme of work is focused on ensuring that young people in Huddersfield understand that brass banding is for them.
“Whether that be as players, audience members or historians – there is room in brass banding for everyone and we are confident that as a result of these workshops these school children will be enthused to engage with banding in the future.”
Melanie Hill, executive officer and trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: ‘This initiative not only preserves our collective musical heritage but also ensures its vibrant future by igniting a passion for brass banding in the next generation.
“We are delighted to support Brass Bands England in this project, which is clearly driven by genuine passion and dedication, and it’s brilliant to see young people discover new passions they’d otherwise not have had the chance to explore.”
