Brass Bands England (BBE) has announced the launch of a new Future Leaders’ Programme to develop the talent of youth band leaders in the sector.

This new year-long programme will provide a unique training experience, with practical workshops, ongoing mentorship, peer networking and support to complete the RSL Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Music and Performing Arts Learning.

The new initiative is part of the award-winning Brass Foundations education programme delivered by BBE’s Youth Development Brass Specialists across the country.

Sheila Allen, one of Brass Bands England’s Brass Foundations team commented, “Our community band leaders deliver valuable musical learning in a time of stretched resources and weakened provision in schools, and create the fuel to ensure the future of brass banding – they are so important! This Level 3 course will give our leaders confidence in their own abilities and develop their skills and knowledge to be able to deliver safe, high quality, up-to-date and fun provision that inspires the next generation of players”

The training programme is recommended for individuals with some experience in an education or community youth setting who wish to enhance and hone their skills to become more confident and able youth band leaders. Interested candidates must be able to commit to a year-long programme of training, workshops and mentoring. The course content will be focused on working with learners in their first year of playing, however, skills and learning will be applicable to working with musical learners of varying abilities.

RSL Awards Senior Business Development Manager, David Jones said, “We are delighted to be working with Brass Bands England to provide the Future Leaders’ Programme with a globally-recognised qualification that provides youth band leaders with formal recognition of their achievement. The Level 3 qualification provides opportunities for learners to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of Safe Teaching, Planning Learning & Facilitating Learning through a structured progression pathway. Together, we can inspire the next generation of players in the brass community and highlight the importance of music education across the country.”

How can I take part?

Those wanting more information about the programme can visit the Future Leaders website page, attend an information briefing session, book a 1:1 Zoom call with Youth Development Brass Specialist Sheila Allen or email futureleaders@bbe.org.uk.

Full course information and applications for the programme will be available in May and open until July, with the programme starting in September 2024.