Brass Players required for Durham Miners Gala project

People in the North East can join a groundbreaking drumming and dance group for a performance at this year’s Durham Miners Gala.

Crook-based Jack Drum Arts are collaborating with Durham Brass Festival and Redhills and looking for brass players of all ages, from Grade 3 standard upwards, to perform in its community carnival parade performance group, Nordestinos.

Nordestinos mix North-East Brazilian style drumming and dance with North-East folk songs and received fantastic public feedback after their debut performance at Durham Miners Gala in 2022 when they marched in with Rough Lea Lodge.

Jack Drum is looking for enthusiastic brass players interested in joining a unique team of community participants. Current performers are from all walks of life and range from teens to those in their 70s.

Nordestinos is currently a passionate group of around 80 people who touch the hearts and minds of audiences nationwide. Although their repertoire is rooted firmly in the North East folk traditions, they have bookings for 2023 which include Durham Miners’ Gala and Brazilica Liverpool.

Alongside the performance dates, you must be available on 17th or 18th June for rehearsals at a city centre Durham venue.

To get involved, please email helen@jackdrum.co.uk, or by calling Jack Drum Arts office on 01388 765002. Please ensure you let them know which instrument you play, your level of playing and/or performance experience and your availability for Miners Gala on Saturday 8th July.

There will be further opportunities to also join the group for BrazilIca Festival on Saturday 5th August.

NB: If you are under 18 years of age we will need parental consent.