Archive Edition: Women in Banding

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The Brass Band Podcast

Society & Culture

In this final episode of the series, hosts Sarah Baumann and Kenny Crookston explore the evolution of women’s roles in brass banding. With a focus on the challenges faced by women past and present, the groundbreaking moments, the inspiring personal stories, and the ongoing journey toward gender equality, this episode is packed with insightful discussions, historical context, and powerful interviews.

Just a few decades ago, women were rare in competitive bands, and many top-tier ensembles simply didn’t allow women players. Today, things are slowly changing, but there is still a long way to go. 

Amazingly, we’re still seeing firsts for women, despite it being 2024. Sarah catches up with Annie Crookston who, just a few weeks ago, became the first female adjudicator at the British Open (a contest that’s been running for 170 years!). Annie shares her journey and the significance of breaking into this male-dominated role. She opens up about the preparation and pressure involved, and what it means for the future of women in adjudicating roles.

We also hear from PhD researchers Marrianne Garbutt and Sarah Crowe, who discuss their findings on women in brass banding across performance, conducting, and adjudication, and the everyday challenges of women in banding, historic and modern-day, and the societal barriers that kept women from participating.

Composer Tracey McGuire talks about her work with Femmes Fortissimo and her composition, A New Anthem, inspired by the tragic events surrounding Sarah Everard’s murder. Tracey discusses the challenges women face in banding and the importance of creating supportive spaces, like that at Femmes Fortissimo, an all-female brass band in York.

The episode also touches on significant cultural moments, such as the impact of Section 28. Jamie Fletcher delivers a powerful reflection on growing up as a queer, trans woman through that period, and highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in banding and how bands can serve as a vehicle for change and representation.

This final episode is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still to be done — it’s a must-listen!

For more information, visit our website at https://www.bbe.org.uk and follow us on social media. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share your favourite moments using the hashtag #BrassBandPodcast.

To explore the Brass Bands Archive, visit www.brassbandsarchive.com

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Scottish Power Foundation for their support. To hear any of the tracks played in this episode in full, head to www.wobplay.com.

Hosts: Kenny Crookston & Sarah Baumann (CEO & COO, Brass Bands England)

Episode Guests:

  • Annie Crookston (first female adjudicator at The British Open Brass Band Championship)
  • Marrianne Garbutt (PhD Researcher, University of Salford)
  • Sarah Crowe (PhD Researcher, University of Gloucestershire)
  • Tracey McGuire (Composer and member of Femmes Fortissimo)
  • Jamie Fletcher (Director, Kinky Toots)

Music Featured (Courtesy of World of Brass): 

Podcast Producer: Peter Baumann