The Brass Band Podcast

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 an...

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 reper...

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 Gr...

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

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? , Anita brings decades of expertise on how music-making transforms the brain. Brass banding is so much more than notes on a page. Sarah...

We’re back for Series Two! Kenny Crookston and Sarah Baumann are back in the studio after a whirlwind year that included a buzzing Brass Band Conference in London, a record-breaking Youth Champs in Hull, and, of course, a vibrant Youth Fest in North London. This series is all about The Next Generation — new voices, new music, and the future we can all build together. We’re also sharing clips from...

That's right — the Brass Band Podcast is back! Series 2 —  The Next Generation  — will explore how brass bands are evolving and highlight the role young voices, new leaders, and fresh ideas will play in shaping the movement for years to come. Hosted by Kenny Crookston and Sarah Baumann, produced by Brass Bands England, and kindly supported by Arts Council England, Youth Music, and the National Lot...

In this final episode of the series, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston explore the evolution of women’s roles in brass banding. With a focus on the challenges faced by women past and present, the groundbreaking moments, the inspiring personal stories, and the ongoing journey toward gender equality, this episode is packed with insightful discussions, historical context, and powerful interview...

Politics and brass bands have been intertwined since the earliest days of banding, from the industrial roots of colliery and works bands to modern debates over funding and public perception.  Starting with the formation of early brass bands by industrialists, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston dive into how bands were used as tools for advertising, community morale, and even social control. T...

From the pioneering days of Fred Mortimer to the public prominence of his son Harry, the Mortimers have defined and redefined the standards of brass band performance, conducting, and competition. Through a combination of historical anecdotes, exclusive interviews, and expert insights, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston explore how the Mortimers shaped the Foden’s band into a powerhouse, raise...

Every year, the iconic first notes of the Last Post resonate across the UK as we remember the stories, bravery and sacrifices of those who serve in the military, past and present. But the lasting impact of bandsmen and brass bands within the military goes much, much further. From stories of entire bands joining the war effort to modern-day solemn services of remembrance, discover how brass bands p...

Welcome back to The Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition! In this episode, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston dive into the exhilarating world of brass band contesting, a tradition that has driven excellence and camaraderie in the brass band community for over 170 years.  From the historic origins of contesting to the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of modern-day events like UniBrass, Brass...

Welcome to the Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition! In this 6-part series, we'll be diving into the fascinating history of brass banding, from its origins and traditions to the modern innovations and fantastic music that have shaped this remarkable culture. To kick things off, in this episode hosts Sarah Baumann & Kenny Crookston introduce the Brass Bands Archive, a central repository for the hist...