A village brass band in Wiltshire is celebrating after its children’s section, Brass Roots, won a prestigious Classic FM award for Best Music Learning Initiative. The Bratton Community Brass Band, which has been a staple in the village near Westbury for over a century, launched Brass Roots in 2023 to introduce younger generations to the joy of brass music.
Lydia Grace-Hills, the band’s musical director, expressed her excitement over the win, describing brass banding as “the best type of mindfulness you can get.” She added, “There is nothing better than making music together.”
The initiative kicked off by bringing live brass performances to local primary schools, captivating children who had never experienced brass instruments before. “For many of them, it was the first time they’d seen or heard brass instruments,” Ms. Grace-Hills explained. “They began to see how amazing brass banding is, so they came and joined.”
Brass Roots has been a lifeline for many of its young members, providing a sense of belonging and helping to ease anxieties. “A lot of children who are in Brass Roots might struggle with reading and writing, but they found something that’s theirs,” Ms. Grace-Hills noted, emphasizing the positive impact of music on mental health.
Joshua, an 11-year-old euphonium player, shared how much he enjoys being part of the group: “You’re happy and you just enjoy playing. There’s lots of lovely people here.” Meanwhile, Gareth, 10, who plays the cornet, added, “Musical instruments make me feel calm and when I play, it puts me in a comfort zone. I have fun and I enjoy the people that I play with.”
The Classic FM award judges were equally impressed, stating, “We were literally blown away by the energy and enthusiasm of the Bratton Community Brass Bands – making music in the heart of Wiltshire.”
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