News Release Thursday 13th June 2013
Make-A-Difference 4 Brass Bands Day: 6th July
A day for brass bands to promote events and good deeds, impress new audiences and spread the word.
M.A.D. 4 Brass Bands Day was introduced in 2010 to do exactly what it says - make a difference for Brass Bands. The annual event was instigated by Brass Bands England as part of their commitment to raising awareness of the brass band movement, both locally and nationally.
This year the focus is on bands publicising themselves, using as many varied methods as possible to tell the general public about their local band. The aim is to give bands a boost and a chance to attract new audiences, new players, and perhaps new financial support.
Rachel Veitch-Straw, Liaison Officer for Brass Bands England, said
“We’re really looking forward to MAD4BrassBands Day this year, with the emphasis on telling the world about brass bands. This is a time to focus on blowing our own trumpets and talking to people about their local band. You never know what might arise from a chance conversation, or a glance at an article. The more people hear about how our bands work, and what they do for communities and charities, the more support we’ll gain to take bands forward.”
Bands are being encouraged to use social media, posters, newsletters, flyers, local radio, local newspapers, and talk to everyone they meet- about the band, what they do, and what they need. Bands might use this day to tell their community how much charity work they do, what charity events they’ve played in the past year, how much they raised and for what causes – and, more importantly- about charity events coming up.
Some bands may use the publicity drive to seek volunteers to provide refreshments at events, or for running car boot sales in aid of funds, or to manage the all-important music library. This is the perfect time to ask.
Make-A-Difference 4 Brass Bands Day is a chance for band members to make a push on visiting local schools, libraries, museums, working mens’ or social clubs, large firms, networking events, voluntary sector meetings, to spread the word about their band.
One event on July 6th , which is an amazing way of raising the profile of bands to the public, is Pershore Midsummer Brass. This festival, which was originally begun in 1990 to promote public awareness of banding, takes place in the stunning market town of Pershore in Worcestershire.36 bands- including 7 youth bands- will perform throughout the day, in five different venues. This year, the focus is the encouragement and development of Youth and Training Bands (supported in part by a grant from the Norman Jones Trust, a fund managed by Brass Bands England for member organisations), and the day will be launched with a massed junior band performance. Though the junior bands will play in all venues, the No.8 Theatre on Pershore’s High Street has been generously offered to the Festival specifically to showcase the achievements of younger players, with entry to the theatre being free-of-charge, and a superb opportunity to alert new audiences to the power of brass bands.
Dr Valerie Trim Festival Organiser, commented that
" Pershore Midsummer Brass’ raison d’être is the same as Brass Band England’s- to promote and develop the brass movement and interest in it. The unique quality of Pershore Midsummer Brass lies in the fact that there is no competitive element to the festival. The great and the small all share the same stages, as far as we can make it happen, and the youth festival gives opportunities for young players to perform - and for them to see and hear their senior counterparts in the relaxed and social atmosphere that Pershore generates."
Brass Bands England are encouraging all bands to use this day to spread the word about the wonders of brass banding. Not only do bands raise thousands for charity, re-generate communities and create our musical heritage, they offer an escape from worry, a chance to concentrate solely on the music, and a fun social scene.
Brass Bands England’s Liaison Officer is collecting information about your MAD4BrassBands Day plans – please email any news or links to Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk or look for @BrassBandsEng on Twitter and Rachel-Brassbandsengland.tumblr.com