The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced the appointment of Andrew Duncan as its new Development Manager.

Andy takes over the role relinquished by Alan Edmond, who departs the United Kingdom with his family on 15th August for a new life in Australia.

Impressed

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Committee, SBBA President George Burt commented to 4BR: "We were impressed by Andrew's presentation at the interview and by his ideas for the future of brass bands in Scotland, especially those concerning youth development and the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland."

Andrew Duncan is well-known in the brass band community throughout Scotland and the wider brass band world.

He lectures in brass arranging at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and previously held the position of principal tuba of the Hallé Orchestra, serving as the Orchestra's Chairman for two years.

Experience

He has performed with all the leading orchestras and many top brass bands, whilst his conducting CV includes a runners up prize at the British Open, victory at the Scottish Open as well as more recently leading Kingdom Brass at the European Championships in Montreux.

George Burt added: “Andrew brings to the role a wealth of experience. He was also Youth Music Development Officer in Stornoway from 2003 to 2005, and is currently low brass specialist with the internationally recognised Sistema Scotland programme in Stirling.”

I’m delighted to be taking over the post from Alan Edmond. Brass bands have always been my passion, so to be given this opportunity to take Scottish banding forward is both thrilling and excitingAndrew Duncan

Delighted

In response Andrew said: "I’m delighted to be taking over the post from Alan Edmond. Brass bands have always been my passion, so to be given this opportunity to take Scottish banding forward is both thrilling and exciting."

SBBA meanwhile has formally thanked Alan Edmond for his energy and unstinting drive in implementing its Youth Development Programme so successfully over the past five years.

Sound hands

Alan, who was also part of the interview panel, added: "I’m absolutely sure that the implementation of SBBA’s strategy is in sound hands with Andy. He will take our achievements to a new level and I look forward to working in tandem with him from my new home in Melbourne."