The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has been awarded more than £125,000 of funding from the Scottish Government's Youth Music Initiative (YMI).

SBBA was named as one of six recipients of £1.1 million of funding following an announcement made on March 4th.

Maximum funding

SBBA President, Carrie Boax, told 4BR: "I'm delighted that SBBA has been awarded the maximum amount of funding, which highlights the confidence that exists in our youth development strategy.

The funding award will enable us to widen the opportunities which are available to young brass and percussion players, and will help establish new youth brass bands throughout Scotland.

In doing so, it will also give young people an opportunity to learn skills which will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives."

Government backing

Confirmation of the award came as representatives from a wide variety of arts organisations gathered in Glasgow for a speech by Scottish Government Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop.

She said: "I want culture to be for all young people, because all young people deserve to experience the joy and happiness that the arts can bring.

Participation in arts and culture can help young people realise their ambitions, wherever they lie and can have huge benefits. It must be a priority, even in difficult financial times.

This government supports young people and recognises the role youth arts play both as a platform to develop skills for the future and to tackle inequalities."

I'm delighted that SBBA has been awarded the maximum amount of funding, which highlights the confidence that exists in our youth development strategySBBA President, Carrie Boax

Creative experience

Raymond Black, Youth Music Manager at Creative Scotland, added: "Creative learning underpins Creative Scotland's commitment to ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy artistic creative experiences whoever they are, wherever they are from, and at any stage in their life.

YMI has given thousands of young people across Scotland the opportunity to learn about and enjoy music making activities. Our continued strong partnership with all 32 of Scotland's local authorities enables the YMI to have a truly national reach.

This partnership working ensures more children from all backgrounds, in all parts of Scotland, have an equal chance to develop and achieve their potential."

Other recipients

Other recipients of the £1.1 million YMI funding included Sistema Scotland, the National Piping Centre, Reeltime Music, Sound Waves and Hazelwood Vision.