One way of attracting new people to banding and audiences is to engage in a collaboration. Whether it is the commissioning of a new work with the help of the local community, a joint concert with an orchestra for young disabled musicians, sharing the stage with a steel band, or, as in Fairey's case, a stab at playing Acid music. Whatever your band might have been involved in we would love to hear your stories and see your videos. Our favourites will be shared on this page. We hope to inspire more bands to take the brave step out of their comfort zone and try something truly unique! You may well qualify for ACE funding towards your project. Please email your videos to rosie@bbe.org.uk.
Faireys and Acid Brass
"I had been liberated by a brass band" - Jeremy Deller. 23 years after Acid Brass was unleashed on the world, its creator, Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, appeared at a special online event to reflect on this ground-breaking project. This work involved the then Williams Fairey Band performing acid house anthems, and the music is still performed at major dance festivals across Europe now. Watch on facebook.
Lydbrook Band appeared on the BBC's The One Show in 2016 - Lydbrook Band with the first-ever performance of the South-West Open Youth Orchestra, the UK's first regional orchestra for young disabled musicians, facilitated by the charity OpenUp Music - along with a choir (UWE Singers) of around 140 at Bristol Cathedral, conducted by Ian Holmes. SWOYO has now become the National Open Youth Orchestra, the world's first national orchestra for young disabled musicians.
As part of Bratton Silver Band's 160th Anniversary, the band commissioned brass band composer Christopher Bond to compose a piece about the lost village of Imber in Wiltshire. Bratton Silver Band worked with BBE to secure funding for his magnificent collaboration which saw groups from across the local community working together.
Get your creative juices flowing!