Since its establishment in 1910 TSB has been an ever present community focused Brass Band in South Northamptonshire. Its founders, Charlotte & Ada Phipps from the Phipps Brewing family, wanted to provide young men with the opportunity to learn to play brass and percussion instruments in an environment that facilitated not only music making skills, but also allowed them to build social and life skills that would help shape their personal development forever.
From its creation back in 1910 right up to the current day, TSB has always encouraged and supported its younger players to be the best that they can be on their journey through life. The TSB Junior Band was started in the mid 1960’s and some of its members were the backbone of Sponne School Brass, when it was formed in 1970. TSB approved and encouraged its young members to use Band owned instruments at school to help Sponne with this new music group initiative. As a founding member of that group it’s wonderful to report that the school Band is still flourishing.
After several months of planning and discussion we are delighted to announce that with Lottery Funded public funding from Arts Council England, Towcester Studio Band and Foden’s Band (British Open & National champions), have embarked on a project to provide opportunities to the community of Towcester and surrounding area to link, learn and engage in music making by providing inspirational events using the best there is in brass music. Events that will provide new skills that can be applied to all aspects of life and inspire new music makers.
TSB will connect with the community through a new outreach programme. Sessions will be held where community members will learn new skills in music making. Together with the help of Northamptonshire and Rutland Music Education Hub - led by Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) - and the very best in brass, Foden’s Band, this project will provide inspiration from start to finish. Workshops to enhance skills and confidence, together with information for application during musical performance as well as daily life, will be provided.
“We are delighted to support TSB in bringing this project to life,” said Iain McKnight (Director of Ensemble & Projects at NMPAT). “The band is an important part of the musical community in South Northamptonshire and a valued partner of the Northamptonshire and Rutland Music Education Hub. Foden’s are world leaders in brass, and the opportunity for some of our young musicians to not only hear them play live but to also learn from their expertise is invaluable. We know that their visit to Northamptonshire will be truly inspirational.”
There will be two concerts showcasing and providing performance opportunities, a new music commission and the chance to perform alongside Foden’s personnel. A video will be produced to chart the project for future engagement opportunities with community youth learning and research, throughout our areas music and arts scene.
On behalf of Foden’s Band, Principal cornet Mark Wilkinson, said “projects of this nature are incredibly fulfilling experiences for all involved. To help strengthen brass banding at the root of the movement is particularly rewarding”.
The project is called ‘Having a Blast in Towcester‘ (HaBiT) and is aimed at the general community to inspire new, existing and returning players to Brass Banding.