Helen Minshall wins Classic FM award

Lancashire-based Helen Minshall has been announced as the winner of Visiting Music Teacher 2024 in the Classic FM Music Teacher of the year awards.

Helen's work visiting schools spans across her role as Youth Development Brass Specialist for Brass Bands England’s Brass Foundations programme as well as her work at Lancashire Music Service. Alongside her work in schools, Helen runs her own teaching company Minshall Music and is involved with a number of youth bands in the North West including serving as Musical Director for Lancashire Youth Brass Band and Astley Youth Band.

Commenting on Helen’s win, the judges said: “Helen’s commitment to music teaching shines out She has shared her love of brass instruments with countless pupils throughout her long career. Bands have flourished as she has fostered a love of music with successive generations of young musicians.”

Helen commented: "I feel very privileged to have a job doing something I’m passionate about and to be able to celebrate like this means the world! Thank you to all my wonderful students and colleagues at Lancashire Music Hub, Brass Bands England, Minshall Music Ltd, Astley Youth Band, More Music for all your ongoing support and to all the children and staff at the many schools I am lucky enough to visit regularly." Appearing on Classic FM Breakfast with Dan Walker, when asked how she was going to celebrate, Helen responded with her typical enthusiasm: "I think I'm going to go and run up and down the street playing my trombone!" The interview (2 hrs 5 mins into the show) is currently available on catch-up via Global Player.

Helen has won £3,000 worth of musical prizes, which she plans to donate to Lancashire Youth Brass Band. She will join other award-winners at Classic FM Live on 21 October, the station's prestigious annual event at London's Royal Albert Hall, to receive her certificate live on stage.

Find out more about what Helen does as part of her work for BBE Brass Foundations at brassfoundations.com.