It has been announced that the Executive Committee of the Scottish Brass Band Association has met to discuss recent events surrounding the running of the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland, and to decide on its future direction.

Statement

Subsequently, in a public statement it has announced that it has empowered its President, George Burt to take charge of all three National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland and effectively replace with immediate effect, the existing board and as a consequence, its Artistic Sub-Committee.

Resolution

In a resolution by the SBBA Executive Committee dated 18th November 2013 they state: "The Executive Committee of the Scottish Brass Band Association declares its complete confidence in its President, George Burt, and his efforts in reaching an amicable agreement with Richard Evans two weeks ago.

In order to steer both NYBBS and SBBA through this difficult time, the SBBA Executive Committee empowers the President to take charge of NYBBS (effectively thus replacing the NYBBS Board) and to take all necessary measures to maintain all three bands of NYBBS."

Presidential announcement

It goes on to say that in furtherance of these decisions, SBBA President George Burt made the following announcements:

"Appointments of Musical Directors of the National Children’s Band (Gordon Evans) and the National Youth Reserve Band (John Boax) have been agreed.

Appointments of tutors for these bands have also been agreed.

The process of selecting and appointing a new Musical Director for the NYYBS senior band has commenced. The process of seeking appointments of Tutors for the NYBBS senior band is underway.

A job description for a new Course Director has already been drawn up and will be advertised in the near future.

the SBBA Executive Committee empowers the President to take charge of NYBBS (effectively thus replacing the NYBBS Board) and to take all necessary measures to maintain all three bands of NYBBSSBBA

Auditions dropped

George Burt also states that the audition policy for existing members of the NYBBS Senior Band has now been dropped:

He is reported to have announced: "This year’s advertised auditions for existing NYBBS senior band players will not take place. Auditions for new players wishing to join the NYBBS senior band will continue to go ahead as planned.

All the players who have already submitted their application forms will be contacted separately to advise them of this.

Arrangements for the location of the summer courses for all three bands have been agreed and will be announced separately (the dates for these are 27th July — 2nd August for NYBBS senior band, 28th July — 2nd August for National Children’s Band and National Youth Reserve Band).

Consultation

He goes on to state: "Consultation with the MDs of the three NYBBS bands will be held to decide and agree on the future policies for these bands.

In consultation with my fellow SBBA trustees, I will bring forward to the Executive Committee proposals for the future governance of NYBBS."