The Scottish Amateur Music Association (SAMA), the parent organisation of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS), has announced that it is to cease operation.

Nurture

Founded in 1956, SAMA has offered generations of youngsters high quality tuition across a huge range of musical activities, through its annual music courses. SAMA is hopeful that many of the successful groups it has nurtured will continue to function under different auspices.

Under umbrella

To that end the NYBBS, is to come under the umbrella of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA).

NYBBS Administrator Neil Cross, is upbeat about the future of the band and commented: "While there is a hint of sadness about the demise of SAMA, things look very positive for the various groups currently under its umbrella.

I’m delighted that the NYBBS, founded by SAMA in 1958, will now come under the stewardship of SBBA, which has achieved so much in recent years under rejuvenated leadership and with the help of Alan Edmond as its Development Officer."

Looking forward

SBBA is looking forward to its new responsibility, which takes effect from 31 May.

"We've long admired the achievements of the NYBBS," said George Burt, SBBA President, "...and we presented our President’s Award to Neil Cross two years ago in recognition of his excellent work for NYBBS. Alan Edmond has been working closely with the NYBBS for the past few years.

This new partnership will beneficial to all aspects of Scottish banding in the future."

The NYBBS has already moved on from strength to strength in recent years. The input of SBBA will, I think, help to accelerate our growth even furtherNeil Cross

Not taken lightly

After a recent Executive Committee meeting, SAMA Chairman Ian Mills commented: "This decision has not been taken lightly. SAMA was established at a time when there were very few opportunities for amateur musicians from across the country to meet together.

Committee members past and present can take immense pride and satisfaction in the number of musical events they have organised and which will hold happy memories for amateur musicians young and old."

Business as usual

For the NYBBS it will be very much business as usual, as Neil Cross added: "Students should see no perceptible difference as the band will still be organised with the same fantastic tutors and house staff.

The NYBBS has already moved on from strength to strength in recent years. The input of SBBA will, I think, help to accelerate our growth even further.

It makes perfect sense that the organisation in charge of the brass band movement in Scotland is also in charge of the movement's 'jewel in the crown' — the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland."