The British Federation of Brass Bands has appointed its new full-time Liason Officer
Terry Luddington has been appointed to the post which has been funded initially for two years by a 'Grant for the Arts' award from Arts Council England.
Strategic
His job is designed to work strategically across the brass band sector to join with creative partners in developing artistically strong and innovative projects that will help develop and support brass bands and engage new audiences.
BFBB Chair, Robert Morgan, told 4BR: "This appointment is a major step forward for the Federation in terms of providing the capacity needed to deliver against our key strategic objectives of increased participation in the brass band sector, and for supporting brass bands on new creative projects and collaborations across the UK."
Approach
Terry is due to start full-time with the BFBB from the 8th November and explained his approach to his new role to 4BR:
"My intention is to make a real and lasting difference to the brass band sector! There is already a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm for brass banding in this country and we have a great opportunity during the Cultural Olympiad to showcase our music and creativity to audiences throughout the UK and worldwide."
You will find I am a strong advocate of the power of social networking technologies and very soon we will be launching a new service from BFBBTerry Luddington
Advocate
Terry also outlined his strengths and work ethic: "You will find I am a strong advocate of the power of social networking technologies and very soon we will be launching a new service from BFBB designed to explore how we can all make a difference by working creatively with brass bands in our local communities."
Terry made an official invite to join the conversation at www.mad4bb.co.uk and on twitter @tlmad4bb
Graduate
Terry was born in Littleport, Cambridgeshire and was first introduced to playing music through the local peripatetic teaching service.
He graduated with a first class degree in Mathematics and Information Technology from the Open University and a Diploma in Management from the Open Business School and for over 25 years enjoyed a successful career in the IT industry working for many household company names.
New career
In 2004 he embarked on a career in the creative industries sector as the General Manager of the performing arts charity, 'Walk The Plank', one of the leading producing companies of site-specific outdoor performances in the UK.
Over the last 5 years Terry has led the charity as it concentrated on building a reputation as an internationally renowned producer of large-scale outdoor theatre working towards the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
He is currently a Trustee and Vice Chair on the governing board of Mid Pennine Arts in East Lancashire and lives in Todmorden, West Yorkshire.
Keen
He has always been a keen brass band enthusiast, seeing himself as a 'village bandsman', willing to support the local band whenever possible, either as a musician, workshop leader, committee member or as an independent promoter of brass band events in his local community.