Brass Bands England has announced the appointment of its new National Liaison Officer.

Rachel Veitch-Straw will work closely with National Development Officer, Philip Watson, in achieving BBE’s aims of encouraging participation in bands, increasing opportunities for children and young people, and supporting brass bands in order for them to thrive.

Specialist knowledge

A spokesperson for BBE stated: "Rachel has gained invaluable specialist knowledge from a decade of working within the Voluntary and Community sector, where she supported a wide range of not-for-profit groups and social enterprises to secure funding, develop participation, and strengthen links with local communities."

They added: "Recently she worked with an educational focus to gain expertise in local and national project development, building community co-operation and training. Rachel has a strong network of contacts and will be seeking collaborations beneficial to brass bands."

Helping bands

It is understood that within the Arts Council-funded role, Rachel will be helping bands directly, with a focus on funding workshops and applications, networks for sharing information, marketing and audience-building strategies, as well as promoting the benefits of brass banding to the public.

Rachel will also be working on BBE’s priority of encouraging young players, creating links between brass bands with Music Hubs across the country, and working on the development of creative and educational activities.

We look forward to harnessing Rachel’s invaluable experience in creative project development and within the voluntary and community sectorRobert Morgan BBE Chairman

First contest

She will be part of the BBE’s team hosting the National Youth Championships at the Royal Northern College of Music on Sunday 14th April.

A keen brass player, Rachel has played cornet and flugel in all sections over the years and is looking forward to reaching BBE members across the country, meeting players and volunteers, and supporting their projects.

Invaluable

BBE Chairman, Robert Morgan MBE, told 4BR: "We look forward to harnessing Rachel’s invaluable experience in creative project development and within the voluntary and community sector. We wish her well in her new role as National Liaison Officer."

Contact

Rachel can be contacted on 07803 147101
Or: Rachel@brassbandsengland.co.uk