Corsham Windband Association (CWA), were awarded two identical grants of £4,316 to bring and support the expansion of free brass and woodwind instrumental lessons for primary school children in Chippenham. The first grant was focused on children at Queen’s Crescent Primary School and following that successful delivery, the 2nd grant was awarded to support children at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
Each child receives:
- Free weekly lessons
- On-loan instruments
- Access to music materials
- The opportunity to join after-school bands and retain instruments for continued engagement
Participants are encouraged to perform in school events and community concerts fostering pride, confidence, and a sense of belonging through music.
The project targets children facing disadvantage, including those eligible for Free School Meals, SEND support, or Pupil Premium, helping remove both financial and social barriers to participation in music.
Anticipated outcomes include:
- Improved mental and physical wellbeing
- Enhanced speech, language and communication
- Greater educational attainment
- Increased family and community cohesion
- A stronger sense of safety, identity, and self-esteem through creative expression
The project’s delivery also comes at a time of reduced infrastructure for music in the region, with Wiltshire Music Connect unable to expand due to long-term funding gaps. In this context, CWA plays a vital role in sustaining accessible, inclusive music education in the local area.
