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Green Heroes

Written by The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on October 19, 2024

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) has been awarded the Green Hero Award by Brass Bands England at their annual conference, recognising the band’s significant contributions to environmental awareness through their “Fragile Earth Project.” The award highlights NYBBGB’s innovative use of music to engage audiences with pressing environmental issues, notably through a commissioned piece by the esteemed composer Sir Karl Jenkins and a strategic partnership with The Wildlife Trusts.

The Fragile Earth Project has brought together music, education, and environmental advocacy in a unique and impactful way. The centerpiece of the project was the commissioning of an original work by Sir Karl Jenkins, one of the most renowned contemporary composers. His piece, inspired by the beauty and fragility of the natural world, captured the urgency of the environmental crisis and aimed to stir audiences to reflect on their relationship with the Earth. The powerful work was performed by NYBBGB in a series of concerts and school tours across the UK, bringing its message of environmental stewardship to the forefront of the brass music world.

The partnership with The Wildlife Trusts further deepened the project’s impact, offering educational resources and workshops to members. Together, they aimed to inspire young people to become active participants in protecting the environment. The Wildlife Trusts provided insight into critical conservation efforts, such as biodiversity preservation, habitat protection, and sustainable living practices, complementing the musical performances with concrete actions individuals can take.

NYBBGB is committed to reducing its own environmental footprint. The band implemented measures such as encouraging rail travel and car-sharing for their staff and members, reducing single use plastic, and supporting sustainable food sources during their residential courses. These efforts mirrored the project’s core message of living in harmony with the planet and reducing individual and collective environmental impact.

NYBBGB’s CEO, Mark Bromley, expressed pride in the band’s role in raising environmental awareness through music. “This award is a tremendous honour for everyone involved in the Fragile Earth Project. We are thrilled to have worked with Sir Karl Jenkins and The Wildlife Trusts to highlight the importance of protecting our planet. Music has a unique power to connect people, and we hope that this project continues to inspire audiences to take action on climate change.”

The Green Hero Award marks a significant achievement for NYBBGB, underlining their role as not just musical leaders, but as champions of environmental responsibility in the brass band community and beyond.

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