The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has announced that Geneva Instruments is to become a new main sponsor of the European Brass Band Championships (EBBC).

The three-year agreement will be implemented in time for this year's event in Ostend.

Added sponsor

4BR was informed that Geneva's support will be in addition to the contracts which EBBA already has in place with Besson, World of Brass, Yamaha and British Bandsman. The agreement will see the presentation of instrument from their range to prize-winners.

Participants in the European Youth Brass Band Contest will also benefit from Geneva's support, with competing bands from EBBA member countries sharing €10,000 to support their participation, with one of the prize-winning bands receiving a weekend's training under the leadership of a Geneva Artist. The company will also offer one of its young brass artists as teacher/soloist with European Youth Brass Band.

Group addition

EBBA President, Ulf Rosenberg told 4BR: "We are extremely pleased to add Geneva Instruments to the group of sponsors of the European Brass Band Association and the European Brass Band Championships.

The Championship has developed a reputation as the most prestigious brass band contest in the world, and it is of great value to the participants, organisers and players to have this supported by the most important instrument manufacturers in the market."

Participants in the European Youth Brass Band Contest will also benefit from Geneva's support, with competing bands from EBBA member countries sharing 10,000 Euros to support their participation4BR

Mutually beneficial

Meanwhile, Founder and Director of Geneva Instruments, Tim Oldroyd added: "We are proud that Geneva Instruments has become an important part of the burgeoning European brass band movement.

The European Championship is a pivotal event in the worldwide banding community, as well as a platform for our expansion into the European market. We are looking forward to a long and mutually-beneficial relationship."