Young Journalist brings Bands to the BBC
Brass bands have received coverage across the BBC news network after Elise Hale, from Irchester, Northamptonshire, who plays with Youth Brass 2000, won the prestigious BBC young reporter prize 2023. The 16-year-old is one of five national winners in the prestigious BBC competition which aims to provide young people with media skills and news literacy, find out about careers in the broadcasting industry and share their original stories with the BBC.
As part of the prize, Elise has produced a story with support of BBC journalists, which has been picked up by programmes across the BBC. In the report Elise reflects on her experience of playing in bands and the many benefits banding provides, as well as discussing some of the potential challenges for the future of banding. She explained that schools can be part of the problem because, when trying to balance the books, music was "often the first thing taken off the curriculum". She also raised lack of funding as an issue because musicians paid for everything themselves, from uniforms and music to venue hire and conductors' fees. Added to this Elise stated that the image people have of brass bands might also need addressing, but brass bands are “able to adapt to a newer world with changing technology".
As part of the report, Elise Interviewed Brass Bands England’s (BBE) Alex Parker at UniBrass’s Band Camp, the summer school for university-age players. Alex Parker stated, “It’s brilliant to see a young player like Elise with so much passion for banding. Her talent for journalism has already proven itself with this prize, which has helped shine a spotlight on brass bands in the national media. She is right that banding needs to keep with the times - technology and other new ways to communicate what we do is essential to allow the rediscovery of banding’s relevance amongst young people. Congratulations Elise!”
The piece was picked up first by Graham Liver on his overnight phone-in show on BBC Radio 5 Live on 10 September, which triggered an extended discussion about bands from those phoning in. Conversation ranged from the general public to Banders themselves. Next up was BBC Breakfast news with Elise’s coverage being broadcast to the nation from the famous red sofa with its average daily viewing figures of 5.3 million. Monday 11 September morning saw the piece played on BBC Northampton including a live interview with Elise and her mum. The piece was accompanied by a companion article on the BBC news website.
Elise started her own social media platform last year called Brassing Around: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090460548038 which many people began to follow during its coverage of last year's area contests. It aims to provide honest reviews of performances and competitions and be a positive platform for the brass banding community. Elise will be joining Brass Bands England at The Brass Band Conference on Saturday 7 October in Huddersfield, where she has been shortlisted for the Brass Bands England Young Bandsperson Award, supported by the ABRSM.
Commenting on the publicity for her story Elise stated, “It's just felt amazing to get so many kind comments from everyone. If we can keep young children interested with opportunities like brass tuitions, then people will be able to be aware of how exciting and promising that musical education can be for them.”
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