SBBA holds AGM and second Learning Festival

Members of the SBBA Executive Committee at the organisation's AGM.

BRASS band members from all parts of Scotland congregated at the King Malcolm Hotel in Dunfermline on Saturday 28 January for the 2017 Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) AGM and 2nd running of SBBA’s Learning Festival.

Following the success of the previous year’s event in Livingston, the SBBA executive put on a variety of workshops and presentations throughout the day, in an effort to engage delegates in a number of different areas of modern day brass banding.

One of the highlights for many attendees was an entertaining and enlightening talk on the art of adjudication from Scottish arranger, conductor and adjudicator Alan Fernie. Alan delivered a refreshing, positive slant on his role as an adjudicator, mixing several amusing anecdotes with more serious aspects to the role. Many delegates expressed their appreciation for Alan’s input, one which highlighted the need for adjudications to be positive learning experiences for bands, musical directors and judges alike.

Stuart Black, Musical Director at Penicuik Silver and Galashiels Town bands, provided an engaging insight on the work done through the National Association of Brass Band Conductors (NABBC), highlighting, amongst other initiatives, the upcoming conductor’s seminar to be held in Livingston on the weekend of 18 and 19 March, in collaboration with Russell Gray and the Bathgate Band. Former Black Dyke player Paul Judge, currently an instructor with Angus Council, was also on hand to present an excellent percussion workshop while Caroline Farren, flugelhorn player with the Whitburn Band, updated delegates in her crucial role as SBBA’s Child Protection Officer (CPO).

Paul Judge offered an insight into the world of percussion.

The Learning Festival receives significant funding from Creative Scotland whose Youth Music Initiative Officer, Christine Halsall, presented a workshop on the specifics of funding for youth bands and ensembles. Keith Johnson from KMJ Recordings gave a useful insight into everything that bands should consider before contemplating a trip to the recording studio while, in one of the late afternoon sessions, Alan Fernie presented his thoughts on his own work, St. Andrew’s Variations, the test-piece for the forthcoming 4th Section Scottish Brass Band Championships.

SBBA President Carrie Boax commented: “The initial reactions from delegates at our second Learning Festival have been extremely positive and they seem impressed with the variety of workshops and presentations on offer.  We will continue to strive to provide delegates with engaging speakers and workshops and make every effort to invigorate everyone who comes along to these events. It is slightly disappointing that more bands were not represented but perhaps those who did turn up will be able to share positive messages with other band representatives.”

Earlier in the day, the SBBA Annual General Meeting took place which saw the unopposed re-elections of President Carrie Boax and Treasurer Julie Sanderson while the following members of the SBBA committee were also re-elected: Alan Douglas, Damian Martin, Danny Harrison, Andrew Smith, Raymond Thomson, Steven Gray, Elaine Roxburgh, and Euan Meikle. Kenny Letham also joined the Executive Committee while one place remains unfilled. As the meeting drew to a close, special mention was made of the contribution made to SBBA from John Gilmour from Bo’ness who was stepping down from his role on the Executive Committee after 14 years of loyal service.

Following an entertaining lunchtime concert from Dalmellington based Saltire Brass and the final workshop sessions, a question and answer ‘open forum’ session took place in the main hall which included plenty of lively debate before President Carrie Boax drew the successful day’s proceedings to a close. In the evening, a ceilidh was held at which presentations were made to the following bands for achieving Band of the Year in their respective sections:

Championship Section: Whitburn

1st Section: Bo'ness and Carriden

2nd Section: Dunaskin Doon

3rd Section: Campbeltown Brass

4th Section: Brass Sounds Inverclyde