The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) is the latest organisation to offer their congratulations to Brass Bands England on their proactive Artistic Development Programme initiative led by Cory MD, Philip Harper.

The ongoing series of community led events has already gained widespread acclaim with the latest to take place in Durham in March.

Member success

AoBBA Chairman, Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We are delighted to see the success of this initiative — led by one of our own members in Philip Harper.

We are keen to support a proactive approach that develops the skills of conductors, and in addition raises awareness of the fundamentals of band training and artistic expression."

That view was shared by David Hirst, one of AoBBA's most experienced members. "As adjudicators we are regularly faced by performances that we recognise lack the fundamentals of good band training. This can impact on performances in terms of good basic principles as well as added musical expression.

This initiative certainly addresses those elements and it is why we wholeheartedly give it our support as an organisation."

Vital

In response, Brass Bands England Chairman, Mike Kilroy, said: "BBE is committed to improving standards in all areas of banding culture. For us to remain vibrant and relevant in the years ahead it's vital that we project the very best of what we can do whenever and wherever possible.

By stimulating thought processes, the approach to music-making and how conductors and bands project their image can be transformed. We believe there is no one better at instigating that than Philip Harper."

He added: "We are delighted at the overwhelmingly positive response so far to the sessions and further dates are planned around the country, including at Ushaw College in Durham on Sunday 24th March.

The response so far has been universally positive, and I hope it will continue to prove inspirational to bands at all levels who will be able to develop their musical skills and outlookPhilip Harper

Portray

Meanwhile, the Cory MD was also delighted that the initiative had gained yet more plaudits.

"I was very pleased when BBE asked me to take the lead in delivering its Artistic Direction strand of band development across the country,"Philip said.

"The workshop covers subjects questioning what we do to how we do it — from concert planning, collaboration, marketing and conducting to how we want to portray our art form to the general public.

The response so far has been universally positive, and I hope it will continue to prove inspirational to bands at all levels who will be able to develop their musical skills and outlook."

For further information about the initiative go to: www.bbe.org.uk