*
banner

New trio of trustees join UniBrass Foundation

The UniBrass Foundations adds a trio of new talent to the organisation with the appointment of Andy Baldacchino, Abi Groocock and Nigel Birch.

tRIO
  There are a trio of new trustees at the UniBrass Foundation

The UniBrass Foundation has announced the appointment of three new trustees.

Andy Baldacchino, Abi Groocock and Nigel Birch join an organisation that looks to widen the participation and promotion of opportunities for brass playing at University's throughout the UK, as well as supporting the UniBrass Contest organising committee.

Experience

Durham University physics graduate Andy Baldacchino works for Bank of America in software engineering. As a cornet player at university, he was crucial in helping Durham compete at UniBrass whilst also working behind the scenes as committee treasurer for both the university brass band and the umbrella organisation Music Durham.

He told 4BR: "I'm really excited to join the team. The UniBrass competition was a great part of my undergraduate life and I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with the charity."

In response UniBrass spokesperson Sophie Hart added: "Andy's work in the financial sector will be hugely beneficial to the Foundation and enables UniBrass to continue hosting the contest and produce more work in the wider banding community."

Marketing

Joining him is Durham University graduate Abi Groocock, who is an active member of the banding community in the North East as well as working as a Classical Music Marketing Communications Coordinator at Sage Gateshead.

She told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to work with the UniBrass Foundation — an organisation that has done so much for the progression of banding within universities.

This is a really exciting time for the charity, with plenty of new projects moving the organisation into 2020 and beyond, and I'm looking forward to doing all I can to support that."

This is a really exciting time for the charity, with plenty of new projects moving the organisation into 2020 and beyond, and I'm looking forward to doing all I can to support thatAbi Groocock

Community bonds

Meanwhile, Nigel Birch is the organisation's first appointment from outside the university sector and will seek to strengthen the bonds between university bands and bands within their local community.

He has been the Musical Director of the multi-award winning Lions Youth Brass for over 25 years. He also works for Love Music Trust, a leading music education provider within Cheshire East, delivering instrumental and vocal projects in numerous primary schools.

He said: "I'm really looking forward promote the UniBrass Foundation. I think there is potential to grow and I'm excited that I will be part of that.

As a teacher and conductor of Lions Youth Brass, I'm particularly interested in growing our vision in non-music-specific universities and have already made contact and arranged that I attend one of the rehearsals with the Keele University Brass Band in January."

Vital appointments

Speaking about these appointments, Sophia Hart added: "Abi's expansive knowledge of venue marketing as well as her work alongside Royal Northern Sinfonia will not only aid contest organisation but provide an insight into how to create and promote new and exciting projects for university bands.

Nigel is also a vital appointment as we prepare for the 10th UniBrass contest on February 8th at Bangor University."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd