NCEM's 'I Can Play with Brass Roots', in partnership with Shepherd Group Brass Band, supports hearing impaired children and their families to play music in a band environment whilst developing their skills on a brass instrument.  Our I Can Play young people meet weekly for additional support with our music leader Sean Chandler (Deaf musician and professional trumpeter) before joining the main Shepherd Group Brass Roots beginners group.  Brass Roots players are able to progress to the Youth Band, continuing to take advantage of the opportunity to be part of mainstream music making.

The Shepherd Group Brass Band group is one of the largest Brass Band organisations in the country, made up of five ensembles with over 150 players. It offers brass-playing opportunities to anyone, from absolute beginners to Championship section players. Players who begin in Brass Roots often move up through the bands as they progress on their instruments.  Shepherd Group Brass Band is committed to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for D/deaf and hearing players alike, and will continue to undertake regular D/deaf awareness training.