*
banner

Scots annual desire to keep learning

The Scottish Brass Band Association AGM was revised this year to include workshops and presentations with an eye to learning new skills...

Festival
 

Representatives from across Scotland came to Livingston last weekend for the 2016 Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) AGM & Learning Festival.

Revised format

The event featured a revised format which included a series of workshops and presentations on a wide range of subjects, as well as an open 'Question & Answer' session with members of the SBBA Executive.

Almost 40 bands were represented and heard from speakers, including professional percussionist Alasdair Rankin, Dr Lio Moscardini, a senior lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, and Morag Macdonald, creative learning officer at Creative Scotland. Meanwhile, whilst workshops were led by Euan Meikle, Kenneth Crookston and Alan Friel, Head of East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service.

Delighted by feedback

SBBA President Carrie Boax, told 4BR: "The SBBA Learning Festival was a tremendous success. We are delighted with the feedback received from delegates who were able to attend the workshops and presentations given by leading figures in music, the media and education.

We are always keen to hear about ways of developing the event, but the success of this Festival has shown there is a clear appetite among our members to continue developing their organisations to play a crucial role in communities across Scotland."

A formal outstanding service presentation was also made to renowned cornet player and conductor Archie Hutchison (above), whilst presentations were made to thank, SBBA photographer Linda Cairns and Mary Thomson, honorary vice president of Renfrew Burgh Band.

We are delighted with the feedback received from delegates who were able to attend the workshops and presentations given by leading figures in music, the media and educationSBBA President Carrie Boax

SBBA Executive

At the SBBA AGM Ann Murray and Tom Allan retained their roles as Vice-President and Secretary respectively, whilst Alan Douglas, John Gilmour, Steven Gray, Danny Harrison, Damian Martin, Euan Meikle, Elaine Roxburgh, Andrew Smith, Colin Stevely and Raymond Thomson were elected to the SBBA Executive Committee. Allan Wardrope retained his role as SBBA's independent financial examiner.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd