Raven and Julie open the Brass for All series with an honest chat about inclusion in brass bands — who gets to play, what barriers still exist, and how bands can better reflect their communities. From accessibility to representation, they explore why inclusion starts with listening and small changes. Join the conversation in the Brass for All Facebook group and help make brass banding truly for everyone.Long summary:

In this episode, Raven and Julie kick off the Brass for All series — a year-long conversation exploring what inclusion really means in the world of brass bands.

They discuss the roots of brass banding as a working-class movement “for everybody,” and question whether that spirit has been lost over time. The conversation touches on barriers to participation — from accessibility and representation to confidence and tradition — and looks at how bands can rebuild connections with their communities.

Key themes include:

• The importance of conversation as the first step toward change

• Representation matters: “If you don’t see yourself in a band, you won’t join.”

• Breaking down barriers around disability, gender, class, and race

• Practical inclusion ideas – from coloured paper music parts to hearing loops and layout adjustments

• Listening culture: why inclusion starts with asking, not assuming

• Brass bands and community identity – how to reflect the diversity of modern life

• The power of small actions and why genuine change takes time

The hosts invite listeners to join the discussion in the Brass for All Facebook group — a safe, open space for sharing experiences, anonymously if preferred.

As Raven says, “Inclusion isn’t about changing who you are to fit in. It’s about creating space where everyone feels they belong.”