Have any instruments collecting dust? Clear the air and help budding musos make some noise

One of the newest bands on Canberra’s music scene is looking to prove that learning an instrument is easier than you think – but it needs a hand.

Newbery Brass falls under the umbrella of Canberra Brass Inc, a not-for-profit organisation promoting brass across the region.

Conductor Gypsy Cook says the all-ages band has a simple philosophy – music is for everyone.

“We pride ourselves on being open to anyone – and right now, our age range is between six and about 73 years old!”

The band rehearses weekly and takes in those looking to learn a new instrument as well as those with some experience playing brass.

Gypsy says complete beginners form a separate group to learn the basics before moving to play with the rest of the band.

But there’s no need for participants to rush out and buy an instrument – the budding musicians can use what they already have or hire one from the band.

“We don’t want there to be a financial barrier that prevents people from joining our band,” she says.

“That’s why we have these stores of instruments to loan to the players for a cheap cost per term, so they can get started.”

She says the option of borrowing an instrument means band members can start learning to play their chosen instrument without an initial financial commitment.

“It’s a development program. People can come and learn with no previous experience, without having an instrument,” she says.

“They can loan the instrument from the band and get started on their brass-playing journey.”

There’s just one problem. Since the band launched about 18 months ago, it’s starting to run low on instruments.

“The organisation had instruments in storage. But we’ve actually had a lot of players join in the past year-and-a-half, which has meant we have used all the instruments in [our] storage.”

As rehearsals begin again in early February for 2025, Newbery Brass has put out the call for anyone willing to donate instruments.

“The thing with brass instruments is they last quite a long time,” Gypsy says.

“People sometimes play them and then they stop playing – and have the instrument lying around.

“We thought rather than them collecting dust, it would be really appreciated if people were willing to donate their old brass instruments to the band.”

The instruments can be old, second-hand or from a musician who’s upgraded – the only requirement is they “produce sound and don’t have any major flaws”.

Gypsy says the donation can help kickstart someone else’s musical journey.

“[They] may have played at school and want to play in an ensemble,” she says.

“Maybe a child will join and the parent will watch and think, ‘hang on, I can learn too’.

“That’s something that can be quite rewarding [for the donor].”

The call for donations, which will continue throughout the year, also makes it easier for the band to invite new musicians.

“We don’t receive any external funding as an organisation so getting instruments is something that is really appreciated,” Gypsy says.

“It helps us to continue to grow and create opportunities for people to learn brass music.”

Those interested in donating an instrument to Newbery Brass, or in joining, can contact the band through its website.