Leeds Project Big Band Runs the Leeds 10k!

Leeds Project Big Band is an open, volunteer-ran, community big band based in Leeds that welcomes adult musicians of all ages and abilities to come together for the love of playing music. In Spring 2019, the band’s founder Naomi Hipps, a full-time NHS midwife, found that opportunities for amateur adult musicians to play and perform on a non-professional basis were lacking in Leeds and decided to change this.

With the support of friends and fellow musicians, a rehearsal space and equipment were sourced for 6 pilot rehearsals with no expectation that this project would grow. Over five years and over 200 members total members later, this band has become a thriving community of Leeds-based musicians performing at annual festivals and community music events across Yorkshire.

As well as providing a non-judgmental space for musicians to develop their playing and improvising skills, this band has provided many members with much-needed community and socialisation, highlighting the invaluable wellbeing benefits of taking part in a creative group activity.

Due to the nature of the band existing for its members and community, payment for performances is often few and far between. Therefore, financial sustainability is an important goal that we hope to work towards for the ability to upgrade equipment, purchase more musical repertoire and continue to contribute to the wonderful Meanwood Community Centre that allows us space to rehearse every week.

Several band members will be running the Leeds 10k on 15th June 2025 as a team to raise money for Leeds Project Big Band. Our goal is to raise £500 which will be used to purchase new music, equipment and rehearsal space hire. Please see below for a breakdown of how we intend to use the funds raised:

• 5 new music stands to replace broken ones - £100 (approx. £20 each)

• New music scores – approx. £40-60 per piece

• Laser print ink for printing music - £40 per cartridge

• Equipment storage - £20 per month

• Rehearsal room hire - £60 per week

Please consider supporting either an individual member or the team as a whole so that this valuable community project can continue to develop and support even more amateur musicians keep their passion for music alive.