The Brass Band Podcast, S02 E04: The Next Generation of Brass Band Leaders (Conference panel session) | Brass Bands England

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The Brass Band Podcast, S02 E04: The Next Generation of Brass Band Leaders (Conference panel session)

Thursday, 9 October, 2025

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 Gregor Spence, and conductor-composer Daniel Hall. Together, they tackle one of the most vital questions in banding — how can we empower the next generation of leaders to take the stage, the stand, and the strategy room with confidence?

From age bias and mentorship to modernising contests and harnessing the power of social media, the conversation brims with honesty and insight.

Back in the studio, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston reflect on the conference’s highlights — from Martin Green’s stirring keynote to the Flowers Band’s creative workshop — and pay tribute to the late Duncan Beckley MBE, a true pioneer of brass banding. And if all that’s not enough, we’ve got a MAJOR update on Sarah’s banding progress!

This episode reminds that tradition and innovation aren’t opposites but partners in progress. We hope you find it an inspiring listen that celebrates the passion, talent, and determination shaping the next chapter of the brass band world.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast.

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Youth Music for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this series in full, head to www.wobplay.com.

Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)

Episode Guests:

  • Katrina Marzella-Wheeler (Conductor)
  • Franklin Onyeso (Composer, Conductor and Pianist)
  • Liv Richardson (Content Creator, Writer at It’s Not A Trumpet, Digital Marketing Specialist & Brass Band Musician)
  • Gregor Spence (Band Manager of The Flowers Band)
  • Daniel Hall (Professional Composer, Arranger and Conductor)

Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann