Welcome to The Brass Band Podcast, where your hosts from Brass Bands England, Kenny Crookston (CEO) and Sarah Baumann (COO), uncover the amazing and unusual stories that define the brass band world, from its origins and traditions to the modern innovations and fantastic music that have shaped this remarkable culture.
In each episode, Kenny and Sarah will be joined by special guests and wonderful brass band music provided by World of Brass.
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send an email to info@bbe.org.uk or visit the Brass Bands England website at www.bbe.org.uk.
Welcome to The Brass Band Podcast, where your hosts from Brass Bands England, Kenny Crookston (CEO) and Sarah Baumann (COO), uncover the amazing and unusual stories that define the brass band world, from its origins and traditions to the modern innovations and fantastic music that have shaped this remarkable culture.
In each episode, Kenny and Sarah will be joined by special guests and wonderful brass band music provided by World of Brass.
If you'd like to get in touch, you can send an email to info@bbe.org.uk or visit the Brass Bands England website at www.bbe.org.uk.
It’s time to take a deep dive into one of the most defining aspects of brass band culture — its music!
In this episode, Kenny & Sarah explore how commissioning and composition have shaped the sound of banding for over a century, from the historic Labour and Love in 1913 to today’s bold new works. The conversation traces how that commissioning culture built the very foundations of brass band repertoire, and why keeping it alive is vital for the future.
Kenny recalls the golden era of the 1970s and 80s when every new contest brought another unforgettable work — Cloudcatcher Fells, Harmony Music, Contest Music — each pushing players and audiences alike. But are today’s contests and, of course, bands more generally, doing enough to commission new works that match that same spirit of adventure?
We’ve got a fascinating conversation with decorated composer Gavin Higgins (winner of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award, Sky Arts Award, Critics Circle Award and two Ivor Novello Awards), whose acclaimed works such as So Spoke Albion and Destroy, Trample, as Swiftly as She have redefined modern brass band writing. Gavin speaks passionately about why brass bands must champion living composers, arguing that without new music, “we just become a museum”. He also reflects on his long-standing collaboration with Tredegar Band, his experiences at the Proms, and how the brass band world can and should open its doors wider to diverse voices and bold ideas, particularly those from outside the brass banding world.
Sarah speaks with emerging composer Naomi Hill, whose thoughtful insights as both an educator and a writer highlight the challenges, but also the hopes, of young musicians breaking into the scene. Naomi discusses what inspired her to compose, the importance of normalising composition for young learners, and shares an idea about how we might make it easier for bands and composers to connect.
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:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
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:
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
We promised you updates on Sarah’s cornet-playing challenge… and here’s a quick one!
This time on The Brass Band Podcast, Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston are joined by a very special guest: Dr Anita Collins – a globally respected music educator, researcher and advocate. Known for her TED Talk What If Every Child Had Music Education From Birth?, Anita brings decades of expertise on how music-making transforms the brain.
Brass banding is so much more than notes on a page. Sarah and Kenny reflect on their own music education journeys. From Kenny’s start in the 1970s to Sarah’s more ‘traditional’ route, both explore how learning an instrument shaped not only their musicianship but also their outlook on life. Together, they consider the intergenerational nature of brass bands – from children sitting beside seasoned players, to parents rediscovering music alongside their own kids – and the powerful sense of community this fosters.
Anita then takes listeners deep into the science. She explains how playing an instrument physically reshapes the brain, boosting language skills, executive function, memory, resilience and social connection. From the way brass players’ heartbeats synchronise when breathing together, to the fascinating hidden link between music and surgical dexterity, this episode will change the way you think about practice and performance.
The episode also tackles advocacy: how to persuade schools, parents and communities that music isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Anita shares real-world stories of schools using music to improve academic results, and medical faculties urging future surgeons to pick up an instrument.
This one is packed full of essential tips and tools for musicians, students, teachers, parents and guardians alike!
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 episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
We’re back for Series Two! Kenny Crookston and Sarah Baumann are back in the studio after a whirlwind year that included a buzzing Brass Band Conference in London, a record-breaking Youth Champs in Hull, and, of course, a vibrant Youth Fest in North London. This series is all about The Next Generation — new voices, new music, and the future we can all build together. We’re also sharing clips from living composers throughout the series, thanks to our friends at World of Brass.
Our guests for this episode are Richard Wilton and Craig Brown from Shepherd Brass Band in York — a standout example of how to grow an organisation that truly includes everyone. From a senior band with just 13 players 15 years ago to an ecosystem catering for over 200 musicians today, their story is full of practical graft and proper community spirit. We chat about youth pathways, adult learners finding their place, partnerships with local music services, and the little decisions that make a big difference. They also talk about the role of organisations like UniBrass, which give young people opportunities to organise and lead brass banding activities, the challenges of constant player changeover, and they share their secrets to success, the innovative ways they work, and their high hopes for a “fantastically brassy” future.
There’s plenty on the changing culture of contesting too — costs, purpose, and what “success” looks like in 2025 — alongside a celebration of what Shepherd’s do so well: concerts that pack the room, projects with real social impact, and those crowd-pleasing film events (Wallace & Gromit and The Snowman). The Shepherd Youth Band’s recent win at the BBE Youth Champs gets a proud mention, as does their upcoming appearance at Youth Brass in Concert at The Glasshouse.
We also set the scene for what’s coming up across BBE: our youth-led conference in Durham on 27 September — free tickets for under-23s and a travel bursary to help you get there — with a programme focused on the next generation of brass band leaders. And yes, Sarah has agreed to a forfeit if the cornet practice doesn’t happen… if that’s not an incentive to keep listening for the grand finale, we don’t know what is!
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 episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
That's right — the Brass Band Podcast is back!
Series 2 — The Next Generation — will explore how brass bands are evolving and highlight the role young voices, new leaders, and fresh ideas will play in shaping the movement for years to come.
Hosted by Kenny Crookston and Sarah Baumann, produced by Brass Bands England, and kindly supported by Arts Council England, Youth Music, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this new five-part series launches on 11 September 2025.
Follow now so you don’t miss an episode!
In this final episode of the series, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston explore the evolution of women’s roles in brass banding. With a focus on the challenges faced by women past and present, the groundbreaking moments, the inspiring personal stories, and the ongoing journey toward gender equality, this episode is packed with insightful discussions, historical context, and powerful interviews.
Just a few decades ago, women were rare in competitive bands, and many top-tier ensembles simply didn’t allow women players. Today, things are slowly changing, but there is still a long way to go.
Amazingly, we’re still seeing firsts for women, despite it being 2024. Sarah catches up with Annie Crookston who, just a few weeks ago, became the first female adjudicator at the British Open (a contest that’s been running for 170 years!). Annie shares her journey and the significance of breaking into this male-dominated role. She opens up about the preparation and pressure involved, and what it means for the future of women in adjudicating roles.
We also hear from PhD researchers Marrianne Garbutt and Sarah Crowe, who discuss their findings on women in brass banding across performance, conducting, and adjudication, and the everyday challenges of women in banding, historic and modern-day, and the societal barriers that kept women from participating.
Composer Tracey McGuire talks about her work with Femmes Fortissimo and her composition, A New Anthem, inspired by the tragic events surrounding Sarah Everard’s murder. Tracey discusses the challenges women face in banding and the importance of creating supportive spaces, like that at Femmes Fortissimo, an all-female brass band in York.
The episode also touches on significant cultural moments, such as the impact of Section 28. Jamie Fletcher delivers a powerful reflection on growing up as a queer, trans woman through that period, and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in banding and how bands can serve as a vehicle for change and representation.
This final episode is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still to be done — it’s a must-listen!
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.
To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
Politics and brass bands have been intertwined since the earliest days of banding, from the industrial roots of colliery and works bands to modern debates over funding and public perception.
Starting with the formation of early brass bands by industrialists, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston dive into how bands were used as tools for advertising, community morale, and even social control. They trace the impact of political shifts, like the decline of industry and the miners’ strikes, which marked the beginning of the end for many colliery bands. The episode reveals how band names evolved alongside their sponsors and how bands have navigated shifting political landscapes from the Victorian era to today.
Guests include David Hirst, who shares his deep knowledge of Black Dyke’s industrial heritage, and journalist Iwan Fox, who discusses the crucial but often contentious role that politics plays in banding today. Iwan reflects on the changing landscape, from funding battles to the influence of popular culture, and Tredegar Town Band’s involvement in the film Pride. He also highlights the ongoing political power that bands can wield when they engage effectively with their communities and policymakers.
We also hear from Hannah Beach, a young trustee of Brass Bands England, who offers a fresh perspective on how brass bands have maintained their resilience through eras of political change, and how they can continue to thrive by embracing their community roots.
Packed with expert insights, rare archival finds, and thought-provoking conversations, this episode paints a vivid picture of brass bands’ political past and their fight for a sustainable future.
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.
To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
From the pioneering days of Fred Mortimer to the public prominence of his son Harry, the Mortimers have defined and redefined the standards of brass band performance, conducting, and competition.
Through a combination of historical anecdotes, exclusive interviews, and expert insights, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston explore how the Mortimers shaped the Foden’s band into a powerhouse, raised the profile of brass bands in the public eye, left their mark on brass band contesting and set the benchmark for musical excellence. Discover the story of Fred Mortimer’s early days as a conductor and his sons’ — Harry, Alex and Rex — rise to fame, cementing their position as one of the most influential families in brass band history.
Kenny pays a visit to the historic Foden’s Band Room, where he meets the legendary Jimmie Charles, who reminisces about his time with the band and the profound impact the Mortimers had on its success.
Kenny catches up with Phillip McCann, one of the finest cornet players of our time, who reflects on his personal encounters with Harry Mortimer and how Harry’s unique approach influenced generations of players and conductors. Phillip shares his memories of playing with the iconic Men o’ Brass, unique experiences at Belle Vue, and his own performances of the famous solo ‘Alpine Echoes’ on an Echo Cornet.
Later, Kenny also sits down with Martin Mortimer, Harry’s son, who shares intimate stories about his father’s legacy, growing up surrounded by and touring with brass bands, and the continuing influence of the Mortimer family on the brass band scene. He discusses the challenges of modernising and managing public perception of banding, and the family’s continued and deep-rooted connection to the British Open Brass Band Championships. Martin’s reflections provide a unique glimpse into the personal side of the Mortimers and their enduring impact on brass band culture.
With rare archival items, fascinating insights, and stories from those who knew them best, this episode paints a vivid picture of a family that helped shape the brass band world as we know it. Tune in to discover the lasting influence of brass band royalty, their contributions to music and culture, and the heritage they left behind that still resonates today.
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.
To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
Every year, the iconic first notes of the Last Post resonate across the UK as we remember the stories, bravery and sacrifices of those who serve in the military, past and present. But the lasting impact of bandsmen and brass bands within the military goes much, much further. From stories of entire bands joining the war effort to modern-day solemn services of remembrance, discover how brass bands play an integral role in commemorating significant events, honouring those who serve and contributing to the cultural tapestry of military and civic life.
We reflect on the enduring legacy of brass bands in commemorating military history and the profound impact of bandsmen on life as we know it, their communities and remembrance. Hosts Kenny Crookston and Sarah Baumann meet up with two incredible guests: Elizabeth Smith of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the inimitable Frank Renton, who brings with him a fountain of knowledge from his decades-long career working with brass bands and serving in the military.
Elizabeth reflects on her recent visit to Heritage Quay where she had the chance to see some of the military uniforms in the Brass Bands Archive, and sheds light on the importance of the work of the Commission to raise awareness about war casualties. Sarah and Elizabeth also explore the deep historical ties between military life and brass band traditions.
Later in the episode, Kenny meets up with Frank for a coffee in a bustling café. They talk through his direct experience of life in the military and the central role of brass bands in remembrance. Frank also shares his personal insights into the work of some of the composers in the Brass Bands Archive.
It’s an episode packed with expert insights, historical facts, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking reflections. Tune in to discover the significance of brass bands in remembrance and how they continue to play a vital role in honouring the past.
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.
To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass):
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
Welcome back to The Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition! In this episode, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston dive into the exhilarating world of brass band contesting, a tradition that has driven excellence and camaraderie in the brass band community for over 170 years.
From the historic origins of contesting to the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of modern-day events like UniBrass, Brass in Concert and Whit Friday, we explore how contesting has shaped brass band culture and continues to propel the exceptional standards of musicianship seen and heard across the world.
Get up to speed with the nuances of various contest formats, including entertainment contests, set test piece contests, and own-choice test piece contests. Unravel the mysteries of judging methods, from closed to open adjudication, and explore the heartbreak of relegation and the excitement of promotion.
We’ve got fascinating discussions with several special guests, insights into the logistics and excitement of contest days, and stories from the archives that highlight the passion and dedication of bands and their communities. Tune in to discover why contesting remains a vital part of the brass banding calendar!
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.
To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)
Episode Guests:
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann
Welcome to the Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition! In this 6-part series, we'll be diving into the fascinating history of brass banding, from its origins and traditions to the modern innovations and fantastic music that have shaped this remarkable culture.
To kick things off, in this episode hosts Sarah Baumann & Kenny Crookston introduce the Brass Bands Archive, a central repository for the history of brass banding, catalogued by BBE and housed at Heritage Quay at the University of Huddersfield. We hear from BBE's archivist, Danni, and dedicated volunteers John and Lesley about the wonders and challenges of preserving and recording this incredible collection.
Sarah and Kenny also share their own journeys in brass banding, from their early beginnings to their current roles at Brass Bands England. They discuss the importance of the archive in preserving an accurate portrayal of the culture for future generations, as well as the exciting future of brass banding as a diverse and thriving community.
Tune in to hear about original manuscripts, the joys of uncovering forgotten treasures, and how you can get involved in the Brass Bands Archive. And don't miss our next episode, where we'll be diving into the world of brass band contesting!
So, whether you're a seasoned brass band aficionado or just curious, this podcast has something for everyone. Tune in and discover the world of brass banding — like never before!
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.
To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.
Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann
Episode Guests: Danielle Spargo, John Grayson & Lesley Lewis
Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann