Banding - Love, Spit And Valve Oil

Episodes

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The Mines Are Dead, But The Music And The People Are Not.2022030320220307 (R4)Folk musician Martin Green explores the phenomenon that is modern brass banding. After following a poster at the National Mining Museum Scotland that said `brass in the park, this Saturday`, Martin discovered one of the most inspiring social music making acts he'd ever witnessed. If the mines are dead, the music and the people most definitely are not.

Determined to find out what continues to draw people into brass banding, both musically and socially, Martin decides to write a piece of music for brass band and seek advice from those in the community. He finds a series of interesting juxtapositions and discovers the important role brass banding has in people's lives.

The Pursuit Of Excellence2022031720220321 (R4)Martin Green looks at why brass bands are so good and asks if the cut-throat culture around contesting is worth it.

Coming from the world of folk music where the notion of competition is much more controversial, Martin questions if there should really be winners and losers in music. What does pressure and adrenaline bring to the pursuit of excellence?

Having written a piece of brass band music to soundtrack this series, Martin now needs to record it. A bespoke band is compiled by baritone player Amy Ewen, who introduces us to a room full of exceptionally virtuosic musicians. These players are all the more impressive when you consider this is an amateur movement.

We follow Amy and others through their day at the National Brass Band Championship at the Royal Albert Hall to better understand the rollercoaster ride that is contesting.

Martin Green looks at why brass bands are so good.

Folk musician Martin Green explores the phenomenon that is modern brass banding.

What's The Allure Of Brass?2022031020220314 (R4)Martin Green examines the complex associations we have with brass banding. Is it a reassuring picture of Britishness, solid and safe? A symbol of the grandeur, as seen in the hands of angels? Or a soundtrack to political uprising?

Continuing his quest to write a piece of music for brass band, Martin dedicates his piece to ex-coal miner Brendan who was recently pardoned by the Scottish government for his conviction during the mid-80s miners strikes. Living in the mining area of Southern Scotland, Martin discovers how the geology is to thank for the amazing band leaders and teachers in his area. People who work tirelessly to provide opportunities for young people to play and get good, because the message is strong within banding that education is a path to liberation. And when that path is threatened to be taken away, the community responds.

Folk musician Martin Green explores the phenomenon that is modern brass banding.