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
FAQs
+ What if I have never played a brass instrument before?
Not a problem! Even if you have never played a musical instrument before we will teach you all the basics, including how to read music. We can help you choose which brass instrument you would like to play, don’t worry you can try more than one!
+ What if I don’t have an instrument to play?
Buying a brass instrument can be an expensive affair and can become a barrier to learning but not at Brass Roots! Whilst some of our musicians do have their own instruments or are using an instrument from school or a local music service, many of our players take advantage of our instrument loans (where available), the cost of which is included in your joining fee. We have a range of instruments available to loan at no additional cost to members. The only loan conditions are that the instrument is looked after carefully, and the Band member and their family make a solid commitment to the member attending rehearsals and engagements regularly.
+ What instrument can I play?
A brass band has a number of instruments in it (Cornet, Tenor Horn, Flugal Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba and Percussion), and choosing is entirely up to you but we will support you in trying out various instruments and picking the best one for you. Don’t worry, you are not tied to a single instrument for life!
You can find out more about brass bands, the types of instruments and even follow along with some music by watching Foden's Brass Band's 'Welcome to the Band Room' series.
+ What about music?
We supply all the music and training material members need.
+ I played a instrument many years ago, can I get involved?
Absolutely! It doesn’t matter how long ago or how good you were, you are more than welcome to get involved in Brass Roots. We can help you reignite your passion for playing brass!
+ What if i’m not ready to play in a group?
If you don’t feel like you want to play in a group yet or don’t wish to perform that is absolutely fine. We want you to enjoy playing brass in whatever capacity you wish. When you are getting started we will give you one to one tuition or small group help where possible to learn the basics.
+ Can I leave my child during rehearsal?
All of the volunteers who help at Brass Roots training band are fully DBS checked so you can leave your child in our safe hands during rehearsal or when performing. If you would prefer to stay and listen during rehearsal that is absolutely fine and we have the space and facilities for this.
+ How do I take care of my brass instrument?
Here is a handy guide to instrument maintenance which has lots of great tips for beginners who've never had one before.