The British Federation of Brass Bands has announced the first two recipients of funding from its 'Progressive Band Awards' scheme.

Commission

Macclesfield Youth Brass Band received £250 to commission young composer Mark Scott to produce and publish a flexible collection of 24, four-part arrangements that will enable musicians of varying capabilities to perform in small groups in schools and at other community events.

Training programme

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Brass Band Association received £200 towards the cost of setting up a training programme in partnership with the Gloucestershire Music Service to help bridge the gap between their learner bands and youth bands.

The project is expected to benefit around 35 young brass players.

Encourage

A BFBB spokesperson commented to 4BR: "The BFBB is delighted to support these two worthy projects. We want to encourage member bands to design new projects that will promote the art of brass banding in some way."

We want to encourage member bands to design new projects that will promote the art of brass banding in some wayBFBB

Innovative

They added: "This could be through innovative ideas for events, concerts, communications, or to encourage new partnerships that increase participation and awareness. There is still money in the pot for this year and we would urge bands to make their bid for £250 towards the cost of making their ideas happen."

Full details of how to apply for an award can be found in the 'About Us' section of the BFBB’s new website at: www.bfbb.co.uk