Members of the Society attending this year’s Brass Factor were treated to a fantastic evening’s music and some stiff competition between rival brass bands.
Brass Factor is committed to entertaining and investing in the future of brass bands as well as developing a strong cultural awareness of the heritage surrounding the brass band movement throughout Yorkshire – it’s spiritual home – and beyond. With the focus firmly on the quality of music, the engagement of the audience and the development of young musicians. Brass Factor is also dedicated to raising public awareness and nurturing young talent to grow and develop the competition.
Competition at the 2018 Brass Factor, which is an annual competition created by Alex Bray, was fierce and caused some heated debate between the judges. Traditionally held in two locations, Holmfirth and Wetherby, it was the Wetherby event that the Society attended and where the overall winners were City of Bradford pushing the flamboyantly dressed, Tewit Youth Band, into second place, but only by one point.
Raising the profile of brass music and providing junior bands with a platform to showcase their talent, the Brass Factor has had a massive impact since it started in 2010. Each year, Brass Factor helps to raise funds for various charities across the UK.
The Society is a proud sponsor of the event and Geoff Walsh, Deputy Chair, had the pleasure and privilege of presenting the winner of the Young Musician Award to Archie Hall, aged 11, on the night.
Archie is a very talented lad and played cornet for Tewit Youth Band, and even supported Wetherby Band on the night too.
Alex Bray said “We are very proud that we have the continued support of the Yorkshire Society. The partnership means we can continue to support young musicians and keep the wonderful sound of brass band music going for many years to come. We also know how much it meant to Archie to be presented with an award for being the youngest player. He’s already a talented young musician and we are looking forward to see him develop further in the coming years, hopefully at Brass Factor!”.
The Society is already talking to Brass Factor about next year and we look forward to continuing our support.