Local brass brand details a 'desperate' situation

The future of a long-established brass band from the borough has been thrown into doubt and is reportedly 'on the brink of closure'.

A representative from Ilkeston Brass posted a statement on social media within the last few days, describing it as a "last desperate call - a plea from a once-proud Fourth Section..."

Ilkeston Brass has a rich history spanning over a century, performing locally as well as representing the borough more regionally too, bringing music, joy and a sense of community spirit to generations.

However, the organisation representative used the statement to stress that it was now "fighting to survive".

Following the retirement of a long-serving conductor give years ago, three musical directors have since been welcomed, but none have been able to stay long enough to help rebuild the band to its full strength, with key players also having been lost to higher section bands in that time.

The statement continued: "Like so many bands, we are desperately short of players - especially in vital cornet positions - and we're not at a crossroads. Our morale is low.  We are exhausted from the instability and heartache of constant change.  The painful truth is this - without urgent support, we may soon be forced to sell up and disband completely."

However, despite the plight, the statement from the secretary of Ilkeston Brass expressed some optimism that the current situation could be turned around: "There is still hope.  We even have a budding training band of 15 enthusiastic notices, ready to carry the torch forward."

Ilkeston Brass has collectively appealed for a new leader, someone, they say, is willing to take on the challenge, who they describe as "passionate, dedicated, and ready to help breath life back into this band."  The statement concluded by stating that the weekly two-hour rehearsal sessions could be the difference between survival and silence and issued a plea for local people to help save the organisation.

The extent of the situation was summed up by Nikki Fretwell, who plays for the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band, and who told Erewash Sound that Ilkeston Brass had been forced to pull out of a performance at the Classic and Heritage Vehicle Show in Ilkeston on 10th August.

Ilkeston Brass rehearse once a week on Sunday evenings.  To offer any assistance and support, e-mail secretary.ilkestonbrassband @ gmail.com