Research

Whilst Wonderbrass is primarily a performing band that operates collectively, as well as a community music project that promotes inclusivity and musical participation, it also is a unique phenomenon both in terms of its profile and its longevity.

We are therefore interested in promoting research into how musical participation, including participation in the creative processes of making music, enhances well-being, promotes personal development and contributes to a sense of musical identity.

This is Dr Rob Smith, Wonderbrass’ founder and musical director is also an academic, teaching Music and Performing Arts at University of South Wales. Wonderbrass was keen to participate and feature in his PhD project and he was awarded his doctorate in 2013.

Since then he has published and spoken at conferences and symposiums about his research, including research on Wonderbrass:

These include:

• Rhythm Changes Birmingham City University April 2016 (presented)

• March 2016 organised, chaired and hosted Symposium ‘Music, Pedagogy and Community’ in Atrium – attracted a diverse audience, some from outside academia.

• Publication in 2015 of article in Routledge series ‘Transnational Studies in Jazz’: Book is called ‘This is Our Music’: The cultural politics of Jazz Collectives, edited by Tony Whyton and Nick Gebhardt. Routledge USA, published 2015. Chapter is called Wonderbrass: A South Wales Jazz Collective.

• Publication in 2023 of ‘Collective Joy: The Spirituality of the Community Big Band Wonderbrass’ in Religions; coauthored with band members Stephen Roberts and Hannah O’Mahoney, available here.

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