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| L to R: Charlie Coulson (Shepherd Brass Band), Audrey Brown, (Shepherd Brass Band) Cherry Fricker, (Executive Director, National Centre for Early Music) |
I Can Play with Brass Roots gained the National Award for Band Project of the Year at the Brass Bands England Conference in October 2024, the annual conference, held at the City of London School, London was attended by over 150 delegates representing brass bands from all over the UK. Five different bands, who all operate under the umbrella of Shepherd Bands, are extremely proud of gaining the Award for I Can Play with Brass Roots, an important initiative that enables D/deaf young musicians to develop their musical talent and gives them the valuable opportunity to perform with fellow brass musicians.
Based in York, I Can Play with Brass Roots began in September 2023, inspired by the National Centre for Early Music’s long-running I Can Play, an innovative project which creates music-making opportunities for D/deaf young people. Led by Sean Chandler, DeaF musician, professional trumpeter and qualified teacher of the Deaf, these sessions take place each month at York Music Centre.
Brass Roots is Shepherd Brass Band’s ensemble for absolute beginner. Sean Chandler, who is Principal Cornet in Shepherd Brass Band, had the idea for I Can Play with Brass Roots and works closely with Brass Roots leader Audrey Brown to deliver the project. Together they ensure that the young D/deaf musicians receive additional support before and throughout rehearsals to help them become fully integrated into the band. Audrey Brown has been teaching families to play brass instruments for many years in the York area, most of whom continue to play today. At the age of 80, she took on the challenge of learning BSL in preparation for welcoming D/deaf musicians to Brass Roots and the Shepherd Band family.
