Following the news that the second Brass Band Summit will meet at the RNCM later this month, the broad outline aims and objectives of its Umbrella Group working party have been revealed.

Proposed formation

The meeting on the 29th January will see a presentation made to outline the case for the proposed formation of an organisation to fully represent the interests of UK banding.

Aims and objectives

Speaking to 4BR, Chairman Stan Lippeatt outlined the details: "Following the first summit meeting in July the working party have met on four occasions, and are now ready to present their proposals to the assembled delegates, outlining the case for the formation of a UK body, it's mission and proposed aims and objectives."

Summary

In summary Stan revealed this would include:

1. The clear case for an Umbrella Body of this type

2. Proposed name and structure of the new body

3. Action plan with timescale within which to have the new body operational

4. Funding (of the new body and brass bands at all levels)

5. Co-operation between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on matters relating to brass bands

6. Stimulation and encouragement of young people to take up a brass instrument as a lifelong hobby

7. Encouraging brass bands, players, conductors, adjudicators and governing bodies to adapt to change in a spirit of continuous improvement

This is all with a view to the securing a dynamic future for brass bands and brass band music as an integral and traditional musical art form in the UKStan Lippeatt

Major art form

Stan concluded: "This is just an outline for some of the presentation. Proposals will include major areas such as youth development and how best to fund the Umbrella Group, all with a view to the securing a dynamic future for brass bands and brass band music as an integral and traditional musical art form in the UK."