At a time when Government departments in all regions of the UK are finding ways to save money in light of recently imposed budget restraints, a quite remarkable statement concerning millions of pounds of financial investment that could have long terms benefits for Scottish banding was made at the Scottish Youth championships in Perth on Sunday.

High profile

Scottish MSP and Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop took the opportunity of using the championships as the high profile media platform to announce that the highly successful Scottish Government backed Youth Music Initiative, which offers young people opportunities to get involved in music projects, is to continue for another year.

Blown away

Ms Hyslop, who told the audience that she had been 'blown away by brass' on the day, announced that the Scottish Government would be investing a total of £10 million in the scheme in 2011/12.

The Youth Music Initiative, delivered by Creative Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, supports more than 300 projects each year covering all musical genres, age groups and teaching methods.

It says a great deal about just how successful SBBA has been...that the Culture Minister took the opportunity to announce such a major Government investment to the public at the Scottish Youth ChampionshipsDevelopment Officer, Alan Edmond

Ground breaking

The Scottish Brass Band Association is one such body that has benefited from the investment over the past few years, with the appointment of a full time Development Officer in Alan Edmond, who has played an integral part in developing SBBA’s ground breaking youth development initiatives, workshops and courses.

Over the last few years SBBA’s work has seen a quite remarkable flourishing of grass roots banding throughout the country – the evidence of which was seen by the Minister herself on the weekend.

Multi million pound

No fewer than 32 Novice, Development, Senior and Premier Youth ensembles, containing approximately 1000 young performers took to the stage to play to a packed audience at Perth’s Concert Hall – an indication perhaps why the Minister took the opportunity to announce the multi million pound funding to the world.

Great success

Ms Hyslop said: "I am delighted to announce that the Youth Music Initiative will be continuing for another year. Since its inception in 2003, it has been a great success, providing numerous opportunities for children and young people across Scotland to get involved in music.

"The Scottish Government is committed to increasing learning through the arts and culture and offering opportunities for young people to develop creative skills — as demonstrated by the Youth Music Initiative, which puts creativity at the heart of learning.

"By unlocking the creative potential of our young people, we are teaching them to be innovative, resourceful, confident and responsible and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in the new global economy."

Opportunities

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, said: "This investment in young people will create opportunities across the whole of Scotland. Through the Youth Music Initiative we are already seeing a new generation of young talent and this major commitment will further enhance Scotland's reputation as a creative nation."

2011/2012

The Scottish Government currently has a funding commitment until March 2011 and a further £10 million for YMI was included in the draft budget for 2011-12 announced on November 17, 2010.

Great deal

SBBA Development Officer Alan Edmond was understandably delighted when he spoke to 4BR: "I’m over the moon. It says a great deal about just how successful SBBA has been in using the Youth Music Initiative investment so successfully that the Culture Minister took the opportunity to announce such a major Government investment to the public at the Scottish Youth Championships."

Proud

He added: "I’m extremely proud of what SBBA has done and the way in which countless hundreds of young players and their families have been encouraged to make brass band music making such an important part of their lives."