Donation platform supports banding
Brass Bands England has launched a new monthly and one-off donation-giving opportunity to secure the future of its national Brass Foundations music programme. BBE’s new online giving page encourages public donations to support youth brass activity. Donors can help a young person fulfil their potential, and play their part in the future of banding, with just £5 per month supporting a workshop day for up to 90 children. Brass Foundations, which launched last year, has already engaged over 6,500 young people in five regional areas across England, as well as raised the profile of banding with press coverage on Radio 4 and Sky News. Developed to reach and inspire young potential musicians in rural communities and ‘left behind’ towns and cities, 100% of donations will support access for children and young people who would not otherwise be able to take up an instrument. The programme will result in a strong and sustainable future for banding.
Sarah Baumann, BBE’s Education Manager commented: “Brass Foundations isn't just about bringing music into schools - it's part of a strategic, long-term solution to sustaining our country's musically rich brass banding heritage. By levelling-up access for those most disadvantaged, we can create opportunities for new young players for local community brass bands, which will make the sector more resilient for years to come.”
Funds raised will support projects which introducing brass band music into the classroom, training for new youth band leaders, and continuation of the successful summer #PromsInThePlayground programme, which sees community brass bands partner with their local school for playground performances. Sarah continued, “Our aim is to expand Brass Foundations to cover the whole of England, giving every young person under 18 the opportunity to learn to play brass band music. We don’t expect Brass Foundation participants to be in a position to contribute financially, so the launch of our donation page is a chance for members of the general public, who are able and willing, to make a small regular or one off contribution which would enable a young person to start their brass music journey. It’s a way for someone to input into the ‘big picture’ of banding, by investing in its future players. Any contribution, no matter how small, is valued, and we’ll be posting plenty of updates on progress along the way.”
£5 per month could support a Brass Foundations workshop day for up to 90 children and young people in one of our target areas in England, whilst £30 a month could help a new youth band attend the National Youth Brass Band Championships. As a registered charity, 100% of money donated will be used for Brass Foundations activity and if donors pay tax, Gift Aid can be claimed which will make the donation go even further. Visit the BBE Support Us page to find out more.
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