Brass Roots Training Band
Ellington Colliery Band are proud to run our Brass Roots training band, one of only a handful in the North East of England. Brass Roots is as an all-ages, all-abilities group for learning brass instruments. Entirely volunteer run, we are passionate about ensuring everyone who wants to play a musical instrument can do so. Currently the group is led by Ian Sankey, a professional freelance brass musician.
Brass Roots accommodates all ages, so whether your children are desperate to play an instrument, you used to play decades ago or you just wanted to try something different then look no further!
The Brass Roots Training Band performs a number of times throughout the year, both on their own and supporting the main band.
For the past 2 years we have also hosted a full day of workshops for younger people to come and learn more about brass instruments and see if they want to join Brass Roots. Click the button below to learn more about our 2022 event.
How can you join?
Brass Roots meets every Wednesday during term time at 6:15pm until 7:15pm.
The initial joining fee is £25, and we also ask for a voluntary donation of £5 per month. As a charity we rely on charitable donations to allow us to continue providing this service. There are no other hidden costs.
For members we can provide instruments that you can take home to practice, any music played in Brass Roots will be provided by us too. There are also weekly rehearsals and one-to-one/smaller ensemble tuition wherever possible.
Learning an instrument or joining a band can be a daunting prospect, we have put together some common questions that you or your child might have. If you have any other questions do not hesitate to get in touch or come along and listen to a rehearsal.
“Please pass our admiration to Brass Roots members for their performance on Friday night. I don’t think I have heard them play better…It is good to see the group expanding and showing enthusiasm for something they obviously enjoy. We love having them, as do the audience, which is evident by the welcome and applause they receive.”
— Morpeth Methodist Church (December, 2019)
Watch our work
Watch our videos below to get an idea of what we do and the outcome of the hard work both our players and volunteers put into the Brass Roots Training Band
