A powerful condemnation of the Scottish Brass Band Association’s new auditioning policy for its flagship National Youth Brass Band has come from former SBBA Development Officer Alan Edmond.

Open letter

In an open letter published on the 4BR comments page: ( http://www.4barsrest.com/comments/152.asp#.UnBHt_mPF8E ) he states that SBBAs desire to create "Europe’s leading youth band" will undermine the ethos of inclusion that he helped successfully develop during his tenure at the organisation.

Close eye

Although now residing in Australia, he has kept a close eye on recent changes with the SBBA organisation.

He believes that a ‘new elitist direction’ for Scotland’s flagship youth brass band is far removed from the core aims of the development programme set up over seven years ago and which has subsequently led to a resurgence in grass roots banding throughout Scotland.

Critical decision

Speaking to 4BR he said: "This is a critical decision and one that I believe can only have a detrimental effect on an immensely successful youth development policy that is now beginning to bear fruit.

I hope my comments will engage others to think more closely about the ramifications and to enter into a constructive debate on the issue.

If not, I can only see it causing potentially catastrophic problems."