Seven members of Shanklin Town Brass Band are celebrating exam success after achieving nationally recognised music qualifications through lessons costing just £1 a week.
The musicians successfully completed their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations during 2026, securing 3 distinctions, 3 merits and a pass across a range of brass instruments.
The achievements mark another proud moment for the band, which continues to provide affordable music tuition while keeping alive the legacy of Malcolm Lewis, who dedicated his time to teaching and inspiring musicians.
All 7 candidates have developed their skills through the band’s Saturday morning music lessons, delivered by dedicated tutors Karen, Charlotte, Ryan and Roz.
Among those celebrating distinctions are Steve, who passed Grade 3 Euphonium, Nela, who achieved Grade 1 Cornet, and Sarah, who completed Grade 3 Trombone.
Kiki and Barney both secured merits in Grade 3 Euphonium, while Veronica achieved a merit in Grade 5 Cornet. Henleigh also successfully passed Grade 1 Tenorhorn.
A spokesperson for Shanklin Town Brass Band said:
“We are incredibly proud of all seven candidates and the hard work, dedication and commitment they have shown. Achieving an ABRSM qualification takes practice, determination and confidence, and every single one of them should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished.
Article continues below this advertisement “Continuing Malcolm Lewis’s legacy of teaching, encouraging and inspiring musicians is incredibly important to us. These results are a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do and the opportunities that can be created when people are given the support and encouragement to succeed.”
The band is committed to making music accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or financial circumstances, with its £1-a-week lessons helping to remove barriers to learning an instrument.
As well as preparing members for examinations, the Saturday sessions help build confidence, develop friendships and encourage musicians to take on new challenges.
With another successful year behind them, Shanklin Town Brass Band is now looking ahead to 2027, when it hopes to celebrate even more examination success.
