CREATING LIVELIHOODS THROUGH ‘BRASSBANDSHIP’ IN GHANA

Abstract

The study uncovers the enormous benefits derived from learning to play brass or other instruments in a brass band in Ghana. It demystifies myths and untruths speculated around the playing of brass instruments and membership of brass bands in Ghana. Using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, the study collected data through participant observation, interview, and focus group discussion involving youth brass instrumentalists, security service bandsmen (men and women) bandmasters, and recruitment officers. The study reveals how members of school, church, and community brass bands have benefited and are making livelihoods from the skills learnt on the instrument and membership of the band in general. It concludes that beyond the academic endeavours by the youth of communities in Ghana, brass instrument learning and good play creates more opportunities and provide livelihood for as many as desire to pursue as a career. It therefore recommends to stakeholders to take interest in the formation of such bands for the youth, encourage them to learn, and be members of such bands as they contribute in developing the human capital and grow the brass band culture in the creative arts sector.