The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced that it is to receive substantial funding from Creative Scotland through the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) 'Access to Music-Making Programme'.

Confirmation of almost £90,000 of funding came on the eve of the successful Scottish Championships in Perth, with the funding to be used with special conditions to assist a variety of proposed projects over the coming months.

Six major projects

SBBA President Carrie Boax told 4BR: "I'm delighted that we have been successful with our YMI Access to Music-Making Programme bid — one that will enable SBBA to deliver six major projects.

These will be Youth Band Start-up and development, the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS), Youth Training, CPD, Transition Programme and Youth Composer Residency."

I would like to thank the members of the SBBA committee who have worked so hard in securing this essential funding. It proves that our efforts are for the benefit for the whole of Scottish bandingSBBA President, Carrie Boax

Benefit the whole of Scottish banding

Carrie added: "I would like to thank the members of the SBBA committee who have worked so hard in securing this essential funding. It proves that our efforts are for the benefit for the whole of Scottish banding."

Over £1.6 million has been awarded to 48 organisations from across Scotland to enable young people to access music making.

Through the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) Access to Music-Making fund, individual awards of between £4,500 and £90,000 will help people up to the age of 25 who wouldn't ordinarily have the chance to take part in music-making activities, develop music skills for life, learning and work, and benefit their happiness and well-being.