Following many months of hard work and organisation, it has been announced that an official National Brass Band Association has been formed in Italy.

Relationship

Over the years Italian banding has enjoyed a proactive working relationship with the European Brass Band Association, with Brass Band Frener-Reifer Pfeffersberg winning the B Section at the European event in 2007 and 2008, Brass Band Wipptal in 2014 and the Italian Brass Band from Rome also claiming the Challenge Section in memorable style in Freiburg earlier this year.

However, until now, it has been impossible to bring together the many different representatives of organsations that promote and maintain the brass band culture in the country.

ABBI

That is now consigned to history, as after several months of meetings and detailed negotiations, the Italian Brass Band Association ABBI (Associazione Brassband Italiana) has been formed — led by its newly elected President, trombone virtuoso Lito Fontana.

Inspire

A delighted Lito told 4BR: "It has taken a great deal of work, but the result is amazing.

As President, my goal is to inspire my Italian colleagues to be an active part in the wonderful European brass band movement.

At the moment our Association has seven member bands, but we are ambitious and want to grow — and to learn from our friends in all parts of Europe."

National Championship

Also on the agenda will be the organisation and hosting of the first Italian National Brass Band Championship, whilst Lito revealed that the ABBI will apply to become full members of the European Brass Band Association in Lille in 2016.

"That would be a dream come true,"he said. "We have all enjoyed our involvement in the European Championships, and now we want to play our part too."

As President, my goal is to inspire my Italian colleagues to be an active part in the wonderful European brass band movementLito Fontana

Milestone

The formation of the Italian Brass Band Association was another milestone for the Argentinean born trombone star, who has made friends all over the musical world.

In the coming months he will giving teaching masterclasses and performances in Lausanne with Ian Bousfield and with Jacques Mauger in Switzerland, whilst in the past few weeks his family were honoured to receive on his behalf, a prestigious award from the Acoli Piceno region of Italy in recognition of his musical achievements and promotion of the region throughout the world.

Proud

He added: "I am looking forward to playing with wonderful musicians, but I was also very proud to receive the honour from my region in Italy."