Downshire Launches a new Community Brass Band

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new initiative — the Downshire Community Band, beginning in January 2026.

This exciting new group builds on the success of our “Couch to Concert” (C2C) programme, which saw 22 aspiring adult musicians come together from mid-September 2025 for a 12-week journey into the joy and excitement of brass band playing.

Band Chair, Robert Mercer, said:

“Within the first few weeks it was clear that many members of the group were keen to carry on after the programme finished, and their enthusiasm was the catalyst for the formation of the new Downshire Community Band.”

Professor Michael Alcorn, who devised Couch to Concert and will direct the new ensemble, added:

“It’s been wonderful to see the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone who is taking part in Couch to Concert 2025. The way they’ve embraced our approach to learning — and made such great use of the online resources — has been inspiring. They will be the founding members of the new band, along with other players who are keen to join this new, innovative ensemble.”

Click here for more information about the new Community Band.