First steps

So this is the Brass of the Saff, right now. We have instruments and around 20 players all in all. We can play a few tunes and we have a cracking logo and name, both brainchilds of one of the mums.

However we have bigger plans than just being a band. We want to examine and improve the way young people engage with instrumental playing. That's where our Fund A Youth Music grant comes in. We have good supporters in Brass bands England, The Leicestershire Schools Music Hub, Southfields Band and Marriott Primary School. This is essential but we equally need to convince our players that staying with music through their difficult teenage years is worth the effort. And let's face it, instrumental playing is hard. Can it compete with Fortnight? We think it can if we borrow a few tricks from the digital world but also from other youth organisations.

With a long track record of starting and running bands we have learnt a few things. One is that running a music organisation is akin to running a small-to-medium sized enterprise. The busines plan is at the heart of what we do and we begin this journey by sharing our our aims:

• to promote traditional skills plus transferable skills (leadership, management, communication)
• to use modern technology to build and manage an online community
• to perform a tand hold local events to build local community
• to develop resources and strategies to improve inclusiveness in instrumental playing

This is what we are selling therefore, something that that will support young people to reach their potential, even if school is a trial (which it is for many of our players) and also an organisation which will benefit the whole community.

Over the coming months we'll share our progress and if enyone has comments or questions we'll be thrilled to hear them. For now, we are getting ready for the National Youth Brass Band Championships next Saturday at Warwick - Debut section. Maybe we'll see you there? If so say hi!