It costs Brass to keep Brass Alive - where does the money go?
A brass band is ‘not just for Christmas’, we are much more than rehearsals and performances.
It is friendship. It is history. It is tradition. It is giving young people confidence. It is keeping community music alive.
When people support a brass band — whether by attending a concert, buying a raffle ticket, making a donation, or simply sharing a social media post — they are helping preserve something valuable for future generations. In our case, Skelmersdale Prize Band has been going since 1874! That’s alot of history.
Every note played has a cost behind it.
But for us, it is worth every penny and without community support, many brass bands would disappear.
Most bands are run almost entirely by volunteers. Players give up their evenings, weekends, and holidays because they love music and believe brass bands still matter. Audience don;t see the years of practice and hours of rehearsal, they get to enjoy the finished product.
The money raised does not go towards luxury. It goes towards survival.
Even for bands like ours, who are fortunate enough to own our own band room, the costs of simply existing are significant. To keep the doors open, the lights on, the instruments maintained, and the music playing, we need around £10,000 every year before we even think about contests, concerts, or new projects.
So where does the money actually go?
The Band Room
Owning our own band room is something we are incredibly proud of. It gives us a permanent home, a place for rehearsals, teaching, meetings, storage, and social events. But owning a building also comes with responsibility and ongoing expense. Our Band room is also shared by other brass groups and is used as a local Polling Station.
Every year we face rising costs such as:
Electricity and heating
Water bills
Insurance
Building maintenance and repairs
Security and alarm systems
Cleaning and upkeep
Internet and communication services
Even small repairs quickly become expensive. A leaking roof, broken boiler, or electrical issue can wipe out months of fundraising income overnight. With the current cost of living and rising prices we are under increasing pressure to raise revenue.
Instruments and Equipment
Brass instruments are not cheap. A quality instrument can cost thousands of pounds, and many bands own instruments so that players of all ages can take part without the financial burden of buying their own.
On top of purchasing instruments, there are ongoing costs including:
Repairs and servicing
Replacement parts
Insurance
Percussion equipment
Music stands and cases
Instrument mutes
Instruments are like a car - they need constant maintenance and sometimes repair!
Music and Licensing
Every piece of music performed by a brass band must be purchased legally. Contest music, concert programmes, hymn tune books, entertainment music, and arrangements all cost money.
Bands also pay licensing fees to ensure music is performed correctly and legally.
A single new test piece or entertainment set can cost far more than people expect.
Contesting and Performing
Contesting is a huge part of brass band culture, but it comes at a price.
Typical contest expenses include:
Contest entry fees
Transport costs
Travel expenses
Music purchases
Guest player fees
Musical Director fees
Uniform maintenance
Food and refreshments
Additional rehearsal costs
Even local performances often involve transport, equipment moving, and preparation expenses.
Supporting the Next Generation
Many brass bands are passionate about training young musicians and giving people opportunities they may never otherwise have. Currently, our band are due to announce a very special young person awards Bursary so we can help nurture and encourage young musical talent.
Teaching and development often includes:
Beginner instruments
Sheet music for learners
Tuition support
Youth rehearsals
Cost of attending rehearsals and concerts and contests
Workshops and community projects
While incredibly rewarding, youth development rarely pays for itself financially. Bands invest because they care about the future of music and the community and ensures our legacy lives on.
The Hidden Costs People Never See
There are also countless smaller expenses that quietly add up throughout the year:
Website hosting
Printing posters and programmes
Accountancy and banking fees
Contest registration fees
Brass Band England Safeguarding Training and membership
Four Bars Rest membership - the national brass band magazine
Uniform cleaning and replacement
Tea, coffee, refreshments and rehearsal supplies
Purchase of raffle prizes
First aid and health & safety requirements
None of these things are glamorous, but all are necessary.
Skelmersdale Band needs you! Please help us.
If you would like to help support the band, we would be very grateful. Please get in touch via our website. Whether it’s a regular monthly subscription or a one-off donation, every contribution helps keep the music playing and is hugely appreciated by everyone involved with the band.
