The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced details of its forthcoming Annual General Meeting and Learning Festival on January 28th.

Attendees will be able to enjoy a series of workshops and discussions, with the spotlight put on issues including adjudication, percussion, recording, funding and child protection.

Spaces are available to attend the event supported by Creative Scotland, which will also include the SBBA Annual General Meeting at the King Malcolm Hotel, Dunfermline.

Leading panel of experts

Scottish Brass Band Association President, Carrie Boax, told 4BR: "SBBA exists to support and provide initiatives for our member bands at all levels of experience.

The SBBA Learning Festival is aimed at promoting best practice within our band movement by offering the opportunity for conductors, educators, players, tutors, band managers and supporters in Scotland to come together for training and musical fellowship."

She added: "With a leading panel of experts in their fields on hand to offer advice, we are grateful to Creative Scotland for its support and look forward to welcoming delegates to Dunfermline."

Speakers

Speakers at the 2017 SBBA Learning Festival will include Scottish composer, adjudicator and educator Alan Fernie, who will discuss adjudication as well as examine his work, 'St Andrew's Variations', ahead of its inclusion in the Fourth Section of the 2017 Regional Championships.

Meanwhile, Christine Halsall, of Creative Scotland, will offer an insight into Youth Music Initiative Funding, and National Youth Brass Band of Scotland tutor Paul Judge will lead a workshop on percussion.

Assistance

Attendees at the Learning Festival will also benefit from a presentation by Keith Johnson, of KMJ Recordings and Stuart Black, of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors. SBBA Child Protection Officer Caroline Farren will also be on hand to offer assistance.

Various trade and exhibition stands will be on display throughout the day.

With a leading panel of experts in their fields on hand to offer advice, we are grateful to Creative Scotland for its support and look forward to welcoming delegates to DunfermlineSBBA President, Carrie Boax

Free

Entry to the AGM and Learning Festival is free. Anyone looking to book a place should contact Tom Allan: tom.allan42@gmail.com or call 07881920361.

Evening ceilidh

Delegates are also welcome to attend a fundraising ceilidh later the same day in aid of the National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland. The event is taking place in the King Malcolm Hotel and will include presentation of Band of the Year banners.

Proceedings get underway at 7pm. Tickets cost £7 with stovies and tea and coffee included. Anyone looking for information should contact Ann Murray: annmurray37@hotmail.co.uk or call 07799604125.

Event timetable:

9.15 — 9.50am: Registration
9.55 — 11.00am: AGM
11.00 — 1.00pm: Workshops
1.00 — 1.45pm: Lunch and concert by Saltire Brass
1.45 — 2.45pm: Workshops
2.45 — 4.00pm: Open Forum