Performance

Touring abroad can be a life-changing experience for brass bands, offering the chance to perform in exciting venues, experience new cultures and strengthen bonds within the band. Taking a large group overseas also requires careful planning and consideration. This resource provides essential information to help UK-based bands prepare for a successful European tour.

As with other areas of copyright law, should you wish to make arrangements of music for brass band or brass ensemble, you need to seek permission to do so from the rights holder. This includes making any changes to the melody, harmony, rhythm or instrumentation.

Direct permission is still required from the publisher for performances of arranged music. Unless it's written on the sheet music/invoice/web listing that performances were covered under the arrangement with the publisher, you can’t legally perform it in public.

Although reaching for the photocopier may be tempting when budgets are tight, make sure you’re acting legally when you have reason to copy printed music. Those who infringe copyright can face civil legal action as well as criminal prosecution. Unauthorised copying of music deprives composers and publishers of the income that they have worked hard for, and devalues their work. By respecting copyright law, you are supporting the creators of the music you love to play, and encouraging more composers to make a living writing new music for brass bands.

This resource is about the basics of Copyright and covers some of the definitions and legal frameworks you may need to know to have an understanding of the law around copyright. It’s ideal for someone without any in-depth knowledge of copyright law, who is looking to find clarity on what they are and aren’t able to do with copyrighted material in a musical setting. 

Brass Band Week is an annual event launched by Brass Bands England to raise awareness of our nation’s brass bands and everything they have to offer. Any events featuring brass bands or brass playing can take part by submitting their details to be part of the UK-wide festival. 

Join a panel of experts as they give tips on preparing for a music college audition

Brass band players know only too well that their facial musculature, teeth and lips have great influence on their performance and development of their careers.

James Parkinson of WFEL Fairey Band provides a complete guide to this process, from licensing and contracts to arrangements and managing technology.

An article by Philip Harper discussing the importance of effective concert programme planning