Bands all across Wales returned their surveys which represented more than 1270 players. They were asked to describe the current health of their band. Unfortunately our survey arrived too late for one band which, post covid, had already collapsed. Others have been struggling to recover after covid and are struggling to find players. More than 50% of bands have concerns about their future.

When it comes to age, brass bands are an all encompassing hobby, open to the young and old. It is not uncommon for multiple generations of the same family to be playing in the same brass band. However, the data identified that our brass bands have an average age of over 50. The red doted line denotes the country’s population distribution with 2018 data. There are positive signs of players starting their playing careers young, however player retention in their twenties and thirties could be a problem.

The survey highlighted several areas where bands struggle to find players. This includes Eb Soprano players, Bass Trombone players and Bass players. It also highlighted a worryingly low number of percussionists. Very few of the bands were full when comparing the band to a normal complement of a brass band, for example to compete. To bring all the band up to full complement we would need more than THREE whole bands or another 106 players. Unsurprisingly this affects the non-competing and lower section bands more than the championship section bands. Which is certainly one reason why the Forth section regional contest is lacking band participation.

Most bands have plenty of instruments but the instruments are showing their age and in need of repair or replacement. Many brass bands benefited from lottery funding to purchase new instruments, however this was now more than 20 years ago. Instruments are showing their age and maintenance and repair is necessary, often this is expensive and outside of the bands annual income. However the availability of instruments to youth bands is slightly different and heavily influenced by location. Often instruments may be available within local music services but access to them is not necessarily forthcoming. Again quality is an issue! We need to ensure our youngsters have good quality instruments and not simply ‘AN’ instrument.

How are we supporting the development of our next generation? The survey reveals that not all bands are. There are bands that are doing a great deal and have thriving youth bands, starter groups and learners. However this is somewhat of a regional lottery. We certainly all need to do more and take responsibility for youth development. We cannot rely on School’s or the band next door. Working together we may be able to do more.

Of course your brass band does not have to compete. Playing in a brass band is a hobby and is all about enjoyment. However the survey asked the questions to get an understanding of bands and players feelings and attitudes to competition. It is clear that competition is not for everyone with almost 50% of bands not actually taking part. However the main reason for not doing so is the lack of players, with more than 58% of bands that do not compete stating this as the main issue. Clearly travelling distance is an issue, as is cost, but it is the feeling of not having a full band that it is turning bands away from competition.

When it comes to finding new players we should not rule out adults. As the survey has shown we can play in a brass band at any age and our ability to learn is not restricted by our age. Encouraging adults to take up the hobby has a lot of merit. The survey reveals that bands are generally very happy to encourage adults, however may not be providing formal lessons. New adult players or those picking up their instrument again, maybe even transitioning to a brass instrument should obviously be encouraged. Especially as they may already read music or have musical experience.

One of the main reasons for the survey was to ask Welsh bands what they want Brass Bands Wales to actually do for them and to identify if they wanted Brass Bands Wales at ALL! The response to the survey has been very encouraging with over 70% of Welsh bands very supportive of Brass Bands Wales. Those that returned the survey have also made it quite clear what they want us to do, though this does vary between bands mainly dependant on the standard of the band. Clearly there is not much Brass Band Wales can do for the best bands in the world.

The list is a challenge and funding is going to be key to achieving anything. However, with a well-motivated team and the support of our bands, players and supporters, we will be looking to the future where we will provide exactly what our bands want us to.