Jersey Premier Brass was formed in September 1997, though the concept of a new musical organisation began approximately one year before, in the latter months of 1996. A few like-minded brass musicians keen to play to a high standard got together and formed a brass sextet called Millennium Brass.

This ensemble was the creation of local musicians Adam Griffiths, Chris Bacon and Dave Mildren and through their friendships with other brass players, the sextet increased to an ensemble of about eight members.

The ensemble continued in its present format with main performances being at the Jersey Eisteddfod and at different venues over the Christmas period, though there was, however, a general feeling within the group that they needed to do more.

The main turning point for the group was the arrival of Tim Pritchard, a well-qualified brass musician from the UK. Tim originally joined Millennium Brass as a cornet player, though his obvious love for conducting resulted in the players asking Tim to direct the ensemble.

The group now made vast improvements and gradually more and more musicians showed an interest in joining, culminating in a full brass band made up of about 30 musicians.

The band was now born, but it was thought appropriate to have a name associated with Jersey, as one of the band's goals was to compete in a national competition. Many names were suggested, and in the end the majority voted for Jersey Premier Brass highlighting their ambition to be in the premier league of banding.

The band's inaugural performance took place in March 1998 at St Luke's Church where a packed audience was able to listen to many pieces of music (some never heard live in Jersey before), in the wonderful acoustics that St Luke's has to offer.

It was crucial that the band performed well as any future reputation gained would be built upon this first performance. Undaunted by the pressure they were under, the musicians did themselves great justice and proved to all that Jersey Premier Brass had the potential to achieve great things in the brass band world.

Following the success of their first concert, Jersey Premier Brass were invited to perform at the grand opening of the newly-constructed Elizabeth Marina, in the presence of the Duke of York. This occasion also saw the first performance of the Jersey Premier Brass Fanfare Team who signalled the arrival of Prince Andrew, with eight trumpeters lined up along the marina.

Now into the height of the summer season, Jersey Premier Brass was delighted to have the opportunity of performing on the bandstand at Howard Davis Park. Despite the lack of sun, many tourists came out to listen to a very entertaining programme which included film themes, as well as traditional solo items, with band soloists providing that little extra bit of virtuosity.

The band had proved that they could attempt a substantial work so discussions now began as to the likelihood of entering a national competition.

It was decided that the band would enter The Nationals in the UK, though as they were a new band, they would be required to enter in the fourth section of the competition. Through his previous experience of national competitions, the band's musical director Tim Pritchard requested that a representative from the Brass Band Federation come and listen to the band.

Following his assessment, the band were delighted to discover that they were to be in the second section of the competition and intensive rehearsals began on the piece of music they were to perform [Leighton Lucas's Symphonic Suite]. The major problem the band now had to face was raising the substantial funds needed to send a group of 30 people away. As this was now January and the competition was in March, it was obvious that some external funding was required. Fortunately, the band received crucial funding from the Jersey Arts Trust.

The competition was held at Poole Arts Centre (the home of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta) where 19 bands played the same piece of music, in the hope of qualifying for the finals that were to be held later in the year. The band played extremely well and came fourth, one point behind the band that came third, and three off the band that won! The band left the competition disappointed, yet thrilled to have done so well in their first year of entry.