Victoria Goddard - Next Gen Brass Day

Young brass players across Worcestershire are gearing up for an unforgettable musical experience as Next Gen Brass Day arrives at St Martin’s Church on Saturday 14 February 2026. This free workshop and performance opportunity invites KS2+ brass musicians of all abilities to come together for an afternoon of ensemble playing, skill-building and fun.  

At the heart of the project is Victoria Goddard, a Worcestershire-born brass player whose musical journey involves Severn Arts. Victoria played in Severn Arts ensembles, including Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (WYJO), before going on to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Returning to the county as an instrumental teacher with Severn Arts, Victoria is using her experience to help inspire the next generation of brass musicians.  

How would you describe Next Gen Brass Day in your own words? 

Next Gen Brass Day is a great opportunity for young, aspiring brass musicians to step into the world of brass banding. It enables you to play with other people who play different instruments in the brass family, and to build your confidence and make new friends! 

Why do you feel a project like this is important for young brass players right now? 

It’s so sad to say but there are far less brass musicians now than when I was first learning with Severn Arts. I think one of the reasons is because these young musicians don’t know what avenues being a brass musician can take you down. I think this project will really open these players eyes to the opportunities around them and hopefully excite them going forward in their musical journey.  

How did your own journey through Severn Arts shape your ideas for the event? 

My journey through Severn Arts started back in year 3 at Primary School, where I first learnt to play the trumpet. Then after stepping away from 1-1 lessons with Severn Arts my other tutor introduced me to brass bands which I’ve been playing in ever since. However, I missed playing my trumpet in an ensemble and my mum managed to find that Severn Arts had a jazz orchestra, which at the time I was definitely sceptical about as I don’t like improvisation. However, I absolutely loved it! and kept it up from year 7 all the way to year 13. Ian Hattersley's support definitely built my mental confidence as well as strengthening my physical trumpet playing. Reflecting on that time really brought me back to thinking I want to inspire and create these next brass musicians in the same way that ensemble did for me. 

What do you hope young players will take away from the event – musically, personally or even in terms of future opportunities/ambitions? 

I really hope they take away the confidence that they will build playing with others and the opportunity to meet like-minded brass players. It’s super daunting having to play in front of other people, but the more you do it the easier and more fun it will become. I want them to realise that there are so many opportunities for them outside of school which they can take part in (that will certainly become apparent in their workshop) and they should be aspiring to be the best you can be.

How would you describe Severn Arts’ role in shaping young musicians today and creating opportunities like this one? 

I think Severn Arts' ethos is brilliant! It aspires for every young person to have an opportunity to find and create a musical talent for themselves. The fact that they have all these different ensembles for all different abilities really shows how they cater for every young musician! My goal is to inspire more young people to take up a brass instrument so hopefully one day Severn Arts can create their own brass band ensemble, which I'm more than happy to run! This would allow those musicians to play with others, have a better insight into what brass bands are and gain a deeper understanding of their culture and ethos, as well as learning how popular they actually are in the musical world! 

Next Gen Brass Day is taking place on Saturday 14 February 2026. Click here to book your place.