Igniting musical passion in primary schools
Whole Class Brass is LGB Brass’s pioneering first access programme designed specifically for primary schools. Since its launch in 2022, we have aimed to bridge the gap in brass music awareness and education in the county town of East Sussex, sparking interest among young learners across Lewes and the surrounding areas.
The spark of inspiration
When BrassSparks was introduced, there was a noticeable lack of exposure to brass music within young people in our community. Recognising this gap, we developed an innovative programme to bring the joy and excitement of brass music directly into the classroom. Our mission is to inspire and cultivate a new generation of brass players and widen the reach of our programme to those that would otherwise not get the chance to have this experience.
Pressing Play
Whole Class Brass offers an inspiring musical experience for children in Key Stage 2. Over the course of ten weeks of a term, students receive comprehensive brass lessons as an entire class, completely free of charge. This inclusive approach ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore and develop their musical talents, and discover the world of brass music making.
Musical Discovery
Throughout the term, students engage in a dynamic and interactive learning process, guided by experienced brass teachers from LGB Brass and BrassSparks, and supported by the loan of instruments from Create Music. They are introduced to a variety of brass instruments, learning fundamental techniques, and exploring the rich heritage of brass music
Grand Finale
The programme culminates in a performance, where students showcase their new found skills alongside members of LGB Brass and BrassSparks. This not only provides a platform for the children to display their achievements but also serves as a demonstration of the power of brass banding to bring people together.
Don’t just take our word for it
Here’s what previous participants in our whole class brass scheme have told us about it.
Western Road Community Primary
Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity. You came every week armed with kindness, patience, your sense of humour and mostly, your infectious passion for music. From having no experience in brass instruments, you led these 8 and 9 year olds to perform together and wow their audience.. The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive and full of gratitude. The year 4s also loved every moment. It is especially lovely for me to see certain children shine and grow in confidence when they don’t always in other parts of the curriculum.
Iford and Kingston CE Primary
Thank you for everything you did with the children. They loved all of it and were so proud to show off to their schoolmates and parents in the performance at the end. The feedback from other staff and from parents in the audience was 100% positive. Your rapport with the children was great – high expectations but done gently – and they responded so well to that. I would highly recommend this project to any other school.
Southover CE Primary
I looked forward every week to listening to the children’s brass lessons, there was always a real ‘buzz’ around the school. The weekly progress was clear to hear and a joy to listen to. The enthusiasm and commitment from all the children (and teachers) was heartwarming. The final concert in the playground with so many parents giving up their time to witness something so beautiful, enthusiastic and actually quite emotional will be a highlight of my 25 years working at Southover School.
South Malling CE Primary
My child has absolutely loved it. It has been so amazing for the kids and the school to have this opportunity. Big big thank you to the band.
Southover CE Primary
My son came home very excited every Thursday after his trombone lessons. He hasn’t stopped talking about how these sessions have been the highlight of his week, he even said he’s ‘found his instrument! We are very excited to see how he continues in BrassSparks!
How do we get involved?
If you’re a Headteacher, Governor, Music Subject Lead, or are otherwise engaged in a primary school within Lewes and the surrounding area, and you’d like us to run a whole class brass scheme at your school, please email brasssparks@lgbbrass.co.uk..
funding
The scheme is funded by LGB Brass and its supporters. We want everyone to experience playing a brass instrument.
what about instruments?
Those are provided for you (yes, all of them) thanks to our partnership with Create Music. You’ll just need somewhere to store them.
where and when
We will agree a mutually agreeable time for us to visit your school, and will slot into your timetable as much as possible.
what next?
We offer all participating children the opportunity to join our BrassSparks band to continue their musical adventure. The first term is completely free.
Thank you
We wouldn’t be able to run this programme without the support of our key partners.
