Derwent Brass

03/09/2026

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍. 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃.

Today, we unveil a new identity for Derwent Brass.

Rooted in a story stretching back to 1860, our new identity draws on our heritage, our industrial roots and our belief that tradition should never mean standing still.

But this is about much more than a new logo.

It reflects the Derwent Brass we have become; proudly a brass band, but with the ambition to keep exploring what a brass band can be.

From the construction of our new monogram to the typography and visual language around it, there is a story and purpose behind every element.

Discover more about the thinking behind our new identity: https://www.derwentbrass.co.uk/news/tradition-reimagined-our-new-identity

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝.

01/09/2026

Our next player to feature in our “Road To London” series is first horn player Dale Hopkins 🖤

I began my banding journey at the age of just 6 years old, playing with Gresley Colliery Youth Band.

By my early/mid-teens, and thanks in no small part to Wes Kendrick, I moved onto solo horn with the senior band. This was where I really learned the most about what it means to be a ba**er and developed my love for everything brass banding.

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to hold horn seats with several fantastic bands, as well as depping for many, many bands up and down the country over the years. But, I’m most known for being the midlands dep coordinator!! 😂

However, I can honestly say that I’ve never played with a band as welcoming, supportive and friendly as Derwent Brass. ❤️

One of my all-time favourite banding memories was playing with City of Hull Band for a rehearsal ahead of the British Open at Blackpool, playing the incredible A World Rejoicing with zero prep. The things you do for your mates in this world!!

My favourite Derwent Brass memory so far has to be performing alongside Russell Watson at Liverpool Cathedral. A packed audience, an incredible venue and… 10/10 nerves!! 😂

Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited to be competing at the Royal Albert Hall again after quite a few years away. This one feels particularly special though, as I’ll be there representing Derwent Brass on the band’s first-ever appearance at the National Finals of Great Britain. What an incredible journey to be part of!

Here’s to making plenty more memories along the way! 🎶❤️

31/08/2026

Our next person to introduce to our band Road to London, is our band mum (and third cornet!) Jen! ❤️

*Jen’s Road to London*

Picking up the cornet in the first year of senior school and learning to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star which had been written on the back page of an old schoolbook, who would have predicted where it would lead me almost fifty years later.

My first experience of contesting was with the City of Derby Youth Band when we took part in the Pontins Youth Brass Band Championships in Prestatyn. My only recollection is that it was very cold and windy.

I am very proud to be a founder member of Derwent Brass in 1992 and to be part of the band’s journey from our first contest in the Third Section up to our RAH debut. One memory sticks out which involved moving onto flugel horn one month before an Area contest. That was a bit stressful, and I could probably still play the solo in the second movement from memory. We came second and went on to the National Finals in Cardiff later that year. Not long after the Finals, we entered the Pilkington Contest at St Helens. The coach didn’t turn up, and we had to quickly organise everyone into cars and raced up with minutes to spare. Enough time to put on bow ties and no time for nerves, we literally sprinted onto the stage and won! Our first contest win.
Away from the contesting, highlights include performing with Indie band British Sea Power, the Treorchy Male Voice Choir, Grammy Award Winning acapella group The Swingle Singers and tenor Russell Watson, especially the Christmas concert in the gorgeous setting of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Although I will no doubt have some nerves going onto the stage of the RAH, I know that I am doing it with my Derwent family and that we are all there to support one another and make it an unforgettable memory, hopefully the first of many at the Royal Albert Hall.

30/08/2026

Our next two players we’ll be featuring for our lead up to the finals are our newest members of the band, Repiano player Elise and 2nd horn player Sam. Sam and Elise study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire together, and are getting prepared to enter their second year of music.

Sam started playing when he was six years old, and grew up through Colsehill Youth and Town Band, and later on joining on Solo Horn with Grimethorpe Youth Band, and joined Derwent in June of this year. Sam will make not just his first Derwent contest debut, but senior banding debut at the National Finals in October, which is an outstanding achievement! Earlier this year, Sam also became a Mercer and Barker mouthpiece artist, and plays on a MB3-H Gold Satin finish.

Sam said: “I am very excited to be performing my contest debut with Derwent at the Albert Hall for the national finals in October. I recently joined the band 3 months ago and was immediately made to feel welcome. As this is my first contest with Derwent and in the championship section, I didn’t know what to expect but I have enjoyed the process so far and am excited to see where this journey will lead the band. I would like to thank Jack Capstaff for the opportunity and support as well as everyone involved in Derwent Brass.”

Elise started playing when she was 8 through Cyprus Music Service before moving back to the UK and developing through NMPAT and the NYBBGB, before going to Birmingham Conservatoire to study with Ian Porthouse and Richard Marshall. Elise’s first senior band was Harborough Band on cornet and percussion, but enjoyed also depping with GUS and others, and made the move to Derwent in January of this year before helping the band secure their place at the finals.

On the topic of London, Elise said:
“I am unbelievably proud to be able to be apart of Derwent, especially on the extremely special day of the areas this year, I was very emotional, and it was such a good day for all of us, and to be able to give us a performance to qualify us was so rewarding, and I can’t wait to be able to go with this band to the finals, they’re the best people.”

29/08/2026

03.09.26

29/08/2026

Whilst we look forward to our time in London which is quickly approaching, we’ve been enjoying speaking to players from our band about their experiences and thoughts to the lead up to the finals, and who better to start with then our super sop Dai Roberts! 🫶

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Dai Roberts – Bb cornet from 1963 to then Eb soprano cornet in 1969 to date 2026

The year prior to my first appearance on The Royal Albert Hall stage, Rogerstone and District had qualified for the National Finals 2nd section in 1971 when I was 17 years of age. Due to this result, Rogerstone was automatically invited to compete in the Championship section the
following year (1972)!

So, my first appearance on The Royal Albert Hall
stage was in 1972 with Rogerstone and District from a village called Rogerstone near Newport, Gwent.
With my soprano and music, walking onto the stage will stay forever in my memory.

My other lasting memory is as soon as you start playing, you think that you are playing too loud because you can hear yourself much clearer than other halls. I am aware that the acoustics have changed since, but it will be one thing I shall listen for and not be surprised if it is still the same.

Due to this, I would advise my peers in Derwent Brass not to play any quieter than they have in the band room.

Kensington Concerto will know that it is very challenging for the principal cornet who starts the piece on their own. It was thought best that I could be of better support in this position.

These were the days of no percussion!
The band played no. 4 but unfortunately, didn’t come in the prizes.
My second and final National Finals with Rogerstone was the following year 1973
Rogerstone won the Welsh Championship Section

Off to London!
The band played no. 11 but unfortunately, didn’t come in the prizes.
My next appearance at the National Finals was with The William Davis Construction Group in 1977.

For reference, William Davis played in the following years: - 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 (William
Davis came 6th on Odin), 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994

Coming in the prizes in 1989 was such a great memory after playing so well. The usual talk we experience in banding is –‘most people thought that we should have been 3rd’!

The following gives an idea of the level of banding and the bands that reach the finals.
The above gives an insight into my previous experiences of the National finals.

From my first appearance in 1972 to my 14th appearance with my band – DERWENT BRASS – which I have been a member since November 1995.

This week (August 20th) Derwent Started our rehearsal schedule in earnest having played the test piece – A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED BY – a couple of times before our summer break.

I am looking forward to this (along with a couple of concerts thrown in), plus a weekend away with my ‘comrades in arms’ (I am old!) plus what I hope to be, a memorable performance which I believe Derwent has the capability to do well.

26/08/2026

Road to the Royal Albert Hall ‼️

We were delighted to welcome Dave Purkiss to the band last night as we got properly stuck into “A Road Less Travelled By” and the preparation for our first-ever appearance at the Championship Section National Finals of Great Britain!

It’s fantastic to have Dave working with us through this important stage of our preparations, before our MD Jack Capstaff takes the reins in the final weeks to add those finishing touches ahead of the Royal Albert Hall.

There’s plenty happening before London too, with two fantastic “Sound of Cinema” concerts coming up under Jack’s baton (tickets available below) so it’s a busy and exciting few weeks ahead for the band.

We’ll also be holding an open rehearsal closer to the Finals, giving you the chance to hear our preparations coming together before we head to London. Keep your eyes peeled for details — we’d love to see you there!

https://www.derwentbrass.co.uk/events/event/the-sound-of-cinema-featuring-the-iconic-music-of-williams-and-zimmer-crooked-spire

29/07/2026

If you were listening to BBC Radio Derby this morning, you may have caught Derwent Brass on the Becky Measures Show!

Our General Secretary, Jennifer Marsden, was invited onto the programme to talk about the band's historic qualification for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall this October, what the achievement means to everyone involved, and our associated fundraising campaign.

A huge thank you to Becky Measures and the BBC Radio Derby team for giving us the opportunity to share our story and help spread the word. If you missed it, you can listen back here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002z58v

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Derwent Brass – your encouragement and generosity are helping make this special journey possible.

If you haven't yet donated, please consider doing so - every little helps: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/derwentbrassrah

17/07/2026

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲

25% 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 46 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠!

Our 'Road to the Royal Albert Hall' online fundraising campaign has got off to an amazing start.

Thanks to the generosity of 46 supporters, we've already raised over £1,500 towards our £6,000 online fundraising target.

Alongside the fantastic support we've also received at our concerts and events, every donation is helping Derwent Brass prepare for a milestone in the band's history as we head to the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

If you'd like to be part of the journey, we'd love your support.

🎺 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/derwentbrassrah

Thank you for believing in Derwent Brass!

Help Derwent Brass reach the Royal Albert Hall for our first ever Championship Section National Finals. Your support will help fund transport, accommodation and preparation costs as we represent Derbyshire on one of the UK’s most iconic stages.

15/07/2026

Did you know our fantastic flugel player, Cat Johnston, has travelled over 100 miles to raise money for our trip to the Albert Hall in October…

On a Penny Farthing!! 🚴🏻‍♀️

She started at 6am, and completed FOUR 25 mile laps, through the heatwave! 🌞

We’re super grateful to Cat, she is also raising money for the charity “Sport In Mind”!

There’s still time to donate on the Just Giving below 🌞🚴🏻‍♀️⛰️

For Derwent Brass

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pennyfarthingflugel2?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

For Sport in Mind

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pennyfarthingflugel1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL