Couch to Concert Autumn 2026!
New School Year, New Musical you!

Downshire Brass has now run two successful Couch to Concert programmes since September 2025. We are delighted to announce that we will starting a new Couch to Concert cohort in September this year.

This 12-week programme is designed to introduce participants to the joy of making music together in a brass band setting. Participants must be over 21 and have some prior musical experience—though not necessarily on a brass instrument.

Who are we hoping will sign up?
Perhaps you played music at school, in a band, or in a choir—and for one reason or another, life got in the way. Maybe you’ve always regretted giving it up. Now’s your chance to rediscover your love of music!

This programme, designed by the band’s musical director, Professor Michael Alcorn MBE, is designed to get you started (or restarted) on your musical journey. Over 12 weeks, you’ll progress from the first steps of playing in a brass group to performing in your first concert. The programme is supported by online learning materials and examples to help you with the journey to the first concert.

Sessions begin in January and will run on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:45pm for 12 weeks from September 2026. The rehearsals will take place at Downshire’s band hall in Belvoir Park, Belfast.

Click here to find answers to some frequently asked questions about the programme.

Sign-up Below for more information about the programme. We will get back in touch with everyone by mid August 2026 with an update on next steps.