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.
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