Macclesfield Brass: Ten Years of Community, Confidence and Celebration

As Making Music marks its 90th anniversary, we’re celebrating member groups whose stories reflect the joy and resilience of amateur music-making. Macclesfield Brass, founded in 2016, is one such group. As Chair Elan Paton explains, it’s a band built not on competition, but on camaraderie, learning and the sheer pleasure of playing music together.

A new beginning for beginners

Macclesfield Brass began with a group of parents whose children played in the local youth band. “We’d go to concerts and help out,” says Elan. “And we’d think, wouldn’t it be great to play ourselves?” When a local organisation launched a community band open to all experience levels, they jumped at the chance.

But when that group discontinued its beginner band, Elan and her fellow novices weren’t ready to stop. “We looked at each other and said, we could set up our own band, one that focused on beginners and learning together.” And so, Macclesfield Brass was born. The first rehearsal had 12 players, many of them beginners.

Today, the band has grown to 35 members, with a wide range of experience. “Some joined as adult learners, some returned to playing after years away and some are accomplished musicians who wanted to help others learn,” Elan explains. “We’ve always had a strong ethos of supporting people’s musical development.”

Learning together, growing together

The band’s inclusive approach is reflected in its rehearsal style and repertoire. “We’re not a traditional contesting band,” says Elan. “We’re a learning band, and that shapes everything we do.” Their current Musical Director, Charlotte Danford-Wright, has been with the band for nearly three years and brings energy and sensitivity to rehearsals. “She’s mindful that we’re still learning,” Elan says. “She chooses arrangements with a broad range of difficulty, so everyone can participate.” If a part is too challenging, it’s rearranged. “Our first MD, Liz, used to write bespoke parts for each player,” Elan recalls. “That’s harder to do with 35 members, but the principle remains: everyone should feel supported.”

The band’s age range is equally broad, from mid-20s to mid-80s. “Many of us took up brass instruments as adults,” says Elan. “Others played as children and returned later in life. Some could easily hold their own at a much higher level but prefer the flexibility and ethos of our group.”

Repertoire with heart

The band’s repertoire reflects its diverse membership and community focus. Early pieces included Thomas Weelkes’ madrigal Welcome, Sweet Pleasure, the spiritual Nobody Knows, and Alan Fernie’s Katwe Dawn, with its Ugandan rhythms. “We started simple,” says Elan, “but we’ve grown in confidence.” Recent performances have featured pop favourites like Viva La Vida, Waterloo Sunset and Baggy Trousers. “We played at Hathersage open-air swimming pool,” Elan recalls. “We did a 45-minute set, swam during the interval, and played again. The swimmers applauded; it was magical.”

Other gigs include tap nights at Wincle Brewery, summer bandstand concerts, and performances at care homes, hospitals and schools. The band is honoured to play at the Remembrance Sunday Service at Gawsworth each year. “We go to the audience,” says Elan. “We don’t expect them to come to us.”

Whit Friday and marching on

One of the band’s proudest achievements is its participation in the Whit Friday Marches: a famous brass band contest held across villages in Greater Manchester. “We entered just over a year after we started,” says Elan. “It was a huge confidence boost.”

Bands arrive by bus, queue to perform, and play two marches: one while marching, one standing. “We marched to Colonel Bogey that first year,” Elan says. “It was about giving adult learners the confidence to perform publicly.”

Since then, the band has returned most years (except during Covid). In 2022, when the Contest resumed after Covid, they were the first band to play at Delph, a venue featured in the film Brassed Off. “We marched to Walking on Sunshine, and the crowd sang along,” Elan remembers. “It was unforgettable.”

Though not a contesting band, Macclesfield Brass embraces Whit Friday for the experience. “It’s iconic, it’s fun, and it’s a chance to get feedback from adjudicators,” says Elan. “We’re not chasing prize money, we’re chasing growth.” “However, we’re extremely proud of our basses who won a prize at Denton in 2022 for their performance in Ballerina”.

A band for the community

Community engagement is central to the band’s mission. “From the start, we wanted to perform in care homes, hospices, hospitals; places where live music makes a real difference,” says Elan. At Christmas, the band is especially visible, playing at school fairs, National Trust venues like Tatton Park, and even carolling door-to-door. “People are amazed when we turn up outside their house. It’s a lovely way to connect.”

The band occasionally plays at Macclesfield’s monthly Treacle Market and collaborates with local organisations. Their first self-hosted concert raised funds for a defibrillator at their rehearsal venue. “We tend to go where we’re needed,” says Elan. “We bring music to people.”

Celebrating ten years

As the band approaches its 10th anniversary in 2026, celebration preparations are already underway. “We’re planning a training day on the weekend of the 10th anniversary of our first rehearsal,” says Elan. “We’ll revisit some of our earliest pieces and focus on skills we want to develop.”

Other plans include playing on ten different bandstands throughout the year, including Strawberry Field in Liverpool. “We’re also thinking outside the box,” Elan says. “We’d love to play in a cave, under Concorde at Manchester Airport, or even on a floating venue.”

The band’s adventurous spirit is matched by its commitment to accessibility. “Brass instruments are versatile and relatively affordable,” says Elan. “With time, effort and support, anyone can reach a level where they enjoy playing with others.”

Making Music and making progress

Making Music has supported Macclesfield Brass from its earliest days. “We started with almost no assets,” Elan recalls. “But we had trustees and needed public liability insurance. Making Music’s insurance was tailored to music groups, it was perfect.”

Over time, the band has made full use of the Making Music Platform, which Elan describes as a “game-changer.” The platform combines everything needed to run a music group into one user-friendly space, with no developer skills required. “It’s helped us stay organised and focused on making music,” she says. “We can track who’s coming to rehearsals, who’s borrowed instruments or jackets, and even catalogue our sheet music and equipment,” Elan explains. “It’s brilliant for keeping tabs on all the dull but essential stuff.”

The member database is secure and searchable, allowing the band to segment data, create sub-committees, and share documents privately. “It’s easy to navigate, even for people who aren’t confident with tech,” says Elan. “That’s really important for a community group like ours.”

On the public-facing side, the band’s website, built through the platform, has raised its profile significantly. “It looks professional, it’s easy to use, and it’s helped us connect with people who wouldn’t have found us otherwise,” Elan says. “The band is really proud of it.” The website also allows the band to promote events, sell tickets, share photos and videos, and send branded newsletters. “We’ve had all sorts of enquiries from people
who saw us online,” Elan says. “It’s made a real difference.”

Advice for adult learners

Elan’s advice to adult beginners is practical and encouraging. “Check that the band you’re joining understands your level and can support you,” she says. “Visit rehearsals, talk to the MD and get a feel for the repertoire and ethos.” She also stresses the importance of time. “Learning an instrument, rehearsing, performing; it all takes time. Be realistic about what you can commit to.” Above all, she urges new players to ask for help. “Everyone’s been there. No one will judge you. In fact, they’ll admire you for trying.”

Looking ahead

As Macclesfield Brass enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to make music, build confidence, and bring joy to others. Whether it’s carolling in the streets, playing in a barn with the donkeys at Tatton Park, or marching to Walking on Sunshine at Whit Friday, Macclesfield Brass continues to prove that music-making can be joyful, accessible and full of surprises.