Support Your Local Brass Bands
We are calling on the community to help keep a proud tradition alive — brass bands in the bandstand.
Welcome to
Black Country Brass
A non-contesting band built on a love of music and a passion for sharing with others.
About the Band
Making music together since 1987
Black Country Brass is a non-contesting community brass band based in the heart of the West Midlands. Built on a love of music and a passion for sharing it with others, we bring together players of all ages and abilities who simply enjoy making music together.
We rehearse weekly and perform at a wide variety of events throughout the year, from summer park concerts and Christmas festive evenings to charity fundraisers, community fetes, and civic ceremonies. We bring the joy of live brass music to audiences of all ages across the Black Country and beyond.
Our band is open to players of all abilities, and we believe that making music together is one of the best ways to build friendships and strengthen community bonds. Whether you are an experienced musician or someone returning to playing after a break, you will find a warm welcome here.
Musical Director
Iain Masson
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Iain has led Black Country Brass since 2024 — guiding the band through continuous growth, memorable performances, and a renewed passion for this cherished British tradition.
Bringing both musical flair and questionable jokes to every rehearsal
Upcoming Events
Come and see us perform live!
Gornal Fun Day
Wednesfield in Bloom
Sanders Park
Stourport Band Stand
Lido Park
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Latest News
Stay up to date with all our band updates.
A Festive Season to Remember
From carols in Dudley to a Christmas spectacular at the Severn Valley Railway, it has been our busiest festive season yet.
Black Country Brass Performs at The Hawthorns for WBA’s 125th Anniversary
A proud day as the band performed on the pitch and around the stadium for West Bromwich Albion's milestone celebrations.
Supporting Our Community
We proudly support a chosen charity each year, continuing our tradition of giving back to causes close to our hearts.
Acorns Children's Hospice
2025 Charity Partner
Lower Gornal Royal British Legion
Ongoing Partner
The Future of Brass Bands
A Critical Time for Regional Brass Bands
As Tom Luxton, our band Secretary, explains: "We're facing unprecedented challenges in our region. With local councils no longer able to fund performances at beloved venues like Mary Stevens Park, West Park, and Himley Hall, many bands are struggling to find paid opportunities."
"Some bands choose to play for free, but this risks undervaluing our art form. We've had to look further afield to places like Droitwich Lido, where support is still available. Unfortunately, we've already had to raise member subscriptions to help cover running costs — though we'd really love to be playing more often on our local bandstands and bringing our community together."
Brass bands are an integral part of British heritage, but we are at risk of losing our sense of identity as these challenges persist.
The Wider Impact
Recent closures like Wolverhampton City Brass Band, which made headlines in 2017 for its performance at the Wolverhampton Grand's Brassed Off, and the folding of Coseley Comets last year, highlight the precarious future facing brass bands in our region.
Educational Challenges
Christabel, a music teacher with the band, points to the decline of brass music in schools, with rising lesson costs and limited exposure. This, along with inconsistent music education in primary schools, is leading to diminishing interest among young people.
Our Response
Under Iain Masson's leadership, with over a decade of experience as both musician and educator, we're committed to reinvigorating interest in brass music and engaging with the community to attract new talent and preserve this cherished British tradition.