preserving the past – promoting the present – fostering the future
The Brass Band Heritage Trust was established in 1994 by Paul Hindmarsh with two objectives: [1] to support the development of young brass band musicians and [2] the create commissioning opportunities for composers. Between 1997 and 2002 BBHT managed the National Youth Brass Band Championships for Boosey & Hawkes Musical Instruments.
The BBHT remains an active commissioner of new brass band works from established and aspirant composers. Recipients of BBHT commissions have included composers Michael Ball (3), Simon Dobson (2), Gavin Higgins, Paul McGhee, Lucy Pankhurst (3), John Pickard (2) and Ian Stephens. The major commissions include SHIFT (Trombone Concerto) by Dobson, which was premiered at the 2012 RNCM Festival of Brass by Peter Moore, Eden and Rain, Stem and Speed by Pickard and Mindscapes by Pankhurst. A number of BBHT commissions have become well established as contest or concert works.
After a pause in activities in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, BBHT resumed commissioning support in 2025. The Brass Band Heritage Trust has been awarded funding by PRS For Music Foundation Esme Fairbairn Trust, Ida Carroll Trust, Radcliffe Trust and the RVW Foundation, in additional to private donations.
BBHT Trustees are all distinguished figures in the brass band community of the UK:
Kenneth Crookston, former CEO Brass Bands England.
Professor Edward Gregson, international composer, former Principal Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.
Philip Harper, conductor and composer, music director Cory Band.
Christopher King, conductor and treasurer of the European Brass Band Association.
Paul Hindmarsh (Chair), music producer, editor and writer.
All enquiries about BBHT projects and support should be addressed to bbhtrust@btinternet.com