At the same time as the Brass Roots Project at Meltham C of E Primary School group was starting back post covid Meltham & Meltham Mills Band began getting everything put in place to start up a beginner’s group. There was quite a lot of work involved in the set up, three members of the band were put through the Brass Band England Safeguarding course in December 2020, six members of the band put forward for DBS checks, all relevant policy documents have been written and collated into a Meltham Band Handbook.
Meltham Junior Blast had its first rehearsal in January 2022 taken by Tom Haslam who is a professional brass teacher so has plenty of experience in teaching young people. Tom is also the Musical Director of Meltham & Meltham Mills Band. To date there are 15 players, we have a set of branded polo shirts (designed by one of the band members) and have performed several times in the village. There are many players from Meltham C of E Primary School that have joined Meltham Junior Blast proving how important it is to have links with schools to help with the future of brass bands.
