Fears for Shropshire brass bands as young turn backs on tradition

Brass bands in Shropshire could face an uncertain future as youngsters turn their backs on learning to play certain instruments, it has been claimed.

County musicians say there has been a decline in the number of children who are taking music lessons in order learn brass instruments such as the trumpet, the tuba or the trombone over the last few years.

Bosses at the Shropshire Music Service, which provides music tuition in county schools, say some children are beginning to steer away from traditional instruments preferring to learn how to play the drums, keyboard or guitar.

And they say the situation is made worse when talented brass musicians leave the county at 18 years old to go to university.

Debbie Fowler, chairman of Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass, said out of 30 band members only four or five were under the age of 18.

She said: "The decline in children learning to play instruments is a foremost concern for local musicians as it affects the general education of children and the future of community-led music.

"I think in Cleobury we could have about 20 to 30 children who may be playing or practising brass instruments individually but this is different than playing in a band.

"Children need that experience of playing together and the bands need to be able to replace older members when they leave."

She added the band would be holding an open day at the Parish Hall, in Cleobury Mortimer, to help encourage local youngsters take an interest in brass.

Alison Stevens, deputy manager of Shropshire Music Service, said there were still a healthy number of children learning music.

She added: "Because we teach a whole range of different instruments children are learning a wider variety. More children are learning instruments like the drums, keyboard and guitar.

"Some people are still learning the brass instruments."