BRASS BLAST all-welcome youth band!

Aim: Accessible, inclusive and creative music making for young people aged 9-18. Help us continue our programme beyond August 2023!

Who are we?

Brass Blast is a vibrant youth project in East Edinburgh - open to any young person aged 9-18. We provide expert tuition in trumpet, trombone & street drumming, building an exciting street band in the process. Our players gain experience in creative music making, performing and band leading.

Brass Blast is fun and friendly - we currently welcome 80 young people every week, many of whom had never played an instrument before. Instruments are provided free and over 50% of our players receive free places. We'll never turn a young person away due to their level of experience, ability or financial circumstances.

Brass Blast is run by Oi Musica - a non-profit organisation working to broaden participation in music, particularly amongst young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We fundraise year-round to ensure that Brass Blast is a permanent opportunity in our community, providing a sense of stability for our young people, as well as music education that is consistent, and can work towards regular performances. In Autumn 2022 our membership doubled from 40 to 80 players - increasing the cost of delivering Brass Blast. Demand for youth music opportunities is unprecedented post-pandemic. Can you help us to meet this demand, and continue running Brass Blast beyond August 2023?

We are delighted that our crowdfunder is part of the 2023 Creative Scotland Crowdmatch competition! So if you donate any amount up to £250, Creative Scotland will match this. If you give £1 it will be doubled! If you select a £15 reward, Brass Blast will receive £30! With over 30 projects competing for limited match funding, we encourage you to donate as soon as possible, to guarantee that your contribution is matched.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Having expanded from 2 groups to 3 in November 2022, costs have increased to around £60,000 a year. This pays for 9 music tutors every week - by far the programme's biggest cost. In addition we have to pay for venue hire (Edinburgh College) and project administration. We now need to secure £16,000 to ensure that our 2023 Autumn term can go ahead.

Your donations will help us to:

• Go ahead with our Autumn 2023 programme
• Continue to welcome and engage 80 young people every week
• Continue to fund over 50% of our players to attend for free
• Employ highly skilled music educators to support all levels of ability, including young people with additional support needs
• Provide exciting and challenging performance opportunities
• Pay for our venue (Edinburgh College) and project administration
• Provide branded hoodies, creating a sense of belonging & group identity
• Purchase and maintain instruments as required
• Secure the future of Brass Blast, bridging a challenging funding gap and demonstrating to current and future funders the level of support for this programme from our community
• Keep our community of players together, ensuring that Brass Blast remains a permanent opportunity for young people in East Edinburgh

What young people say about being part of Brass Blast:

"There's nothing like it anywhere else"

"Some kids can't afford proper fancy classes, but this program gives everyone the opportunity to make music"

"Brass Blast is a big lovely band that people should have... There is no other place for me to do music except Brass Blast"

"There is nowhere that could replace it. It is special"

"Brass Blast has been an amazing part of my life for the last 7 years. I would really miss the opportunity to perform and play with a group of people who always bring a smile to my face"

"This is a once in a lifetime group. It's so special and welcoming. Don't let it stop!"

"I'd be devastated if Brass Blast stopped. This organisation provides a positive creative outlet for loads of young people"