A BRASS band from York is trumpeting the power of music and offering beginners and existing players of all ages the chance to try the benefits for themselves – for free.

The York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band is striking up a new Beginners’ Band on Wednesday nights, starting tomorrow, and the band’s conductor, Nicholas Eastwood says it’s the perfect way to kick-start a healthy New Year.

Press columnist Kate Lock, who organised the Brassed On! York 2010 festival in the Museum Gardens in May and plays for the Golden Rail Band.

She said: “Besides giving people the opportunity to acquire a new skill and make new friends, playing in a band can also be a chance to take ‘time out’ from hectic lifestyles and focus on doing something for yourself.”

The York RI Golden Rail Band’s beginners’ group will receive free instrument hire and tuition on brass instruments ranging from cornets and tenor horns to euphoniums, trombones and tubas. The first session is from 7pm to 8pm at the Band Room of the York Railway Institute in Queen Street, adjacent to York Station.

To book a place, phone Nicholas Eastwood on 07774 03 05 02 or email eastwood.nicholas@gmail.com or go to the band’s website: yorkrigoldenrailband.co.uk