Westoe Brass Band

As a former colliery band that contests throughout the UK we are now totallty self-funding we recently logged and digitalised our band library and found that there are huge gaps in our repertoire for performance within the local community. Annually the band performs locally at the South Shields amphitheatre, The Charles Young Centre and civic events within South Shields town centre. For the band to maintain our standards of playing and entertainment we need to purchase a significant amount of modern brass band music to further enhance our library. Modern music for the brass band can start from £35 and extend to £150 for significant performance pieces. The band consists of 40 members who meet twice a week to rehearse. It is imperative that music is inclusive for all members and the wider public/local community. We pride ourselves on being South Tyneside’s premier music making organisation and we are asked to perform at a variety of events from local care homes through to heritage centres, formal ceremonies and private events for local companies. As we are asked to perform at such varied events, we are acutely aware of the audience need and the band requirement to add to the library. Each year we support a local charity where we regularly raise £1,000 through a concert event despite the band being self-funding. To continue to deliver high quality and varied music making we would greatly benefit from a grant from yourselves.