Let’s Debate ‘women in brass’ with Liz Lane

As the BBC finds itself under scrutiny over equal pay, Liz Lane, a British composer whose music has been described as ‘brilliant’, ‘stunning’, ‘evocative’ and ‘fabulous’, debates the glass ceiling for women in the music business and uncovers opinion that UK brass banding still lags behind the Continent when it comes to appointing female players, conductors and composers.

Firstly, I would like to say “thank you” to a wide range of musicians of all ages and experience who have contributed to this article. From a relatively small resource emerges a wealth of historical and contextual information, providing a snapshot of women in music and especially in brass bands. I hope it may kindle some useful debate.

BBW Editor, David Childs, sets out the discussion: “I remember growing up with few women in the top bands and now there’s some magnificent female musicians occupying some of the most prestigious seats in banding. There also seems to be an increasing number of female conductors, composers and arts managers too, which can only be a good thing…

Read this fascinating article in full, featured in July/August 2017’s BBW, by subscribing to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)

Image: Kathleen Gaspoz and Sheona White - breaking through the 'glass ceiling'