*
banner

BAND set to take next steps on road to supporting inclusivity

An encouraging response to its open letter sees the Bandspeople's Alliance to Negate Discrimination take decision to formalise its efforts.

Diversity
  The next steps are being planned for the BAND group

The Bandspeople's Alliance to Negate Discrimination (BAND) has told 4BR that such has been the encouraging response to the open letter inviting people and organisations to support a mission statement to make brass banding in the UK a musical movement from any forms of prejudice, intolerance and discrimination, that steps are now being undertaken to formalise its structure and work.

Heartened

Spokesperson and founder member Chris Hardy said: "We've been so heartened by the response to the aims and ambitions of the initiative that we felt that the next step was to formalise a structure as well as seek professional advice on how to offer the type of support, advice and information that is undeniably needed by people within the banding movement.

However, as much as we have been encouraged, it was also obvious that it has highlighted the urgent need for there to be a safe, confidential access point for people who are experiencing any forms of discrimination within the banding movement to be able to seek help and support."

Consensus

Chris revealed that in the meantime BAND will continue to work closely in partnerships with representative bodies such as Brass Bands England, Band Associations and contest promoters amongst others to seek consensus and support for complementary aims and objectives in respect to achieving greater diversity and equality within banding.

He added: "We are fully aware of the work being undertaken and delighted that we have already been able to connect with people and organisations that share the aims of our original open letter to make banding free of prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.

We are aware that we must encourage trust and respect for what we wish to achieve with others, but I can assure those who have already signed up to offer their support, and to those who we hope will follow suit, that the first steps have been taken and many more will follow."

We are aware that we must encourage trust and respect for what we wish to achieve with others, but I can assure those who have already signed up to offer their support, and to those who we hope will follow suit, that the first steps have been takenBAND

More bands

On such aspect where Chris is hoping to see more support is from band organisations themselves.

"A number of bands have already signed up, but we would love to see more.

Those excellent banding organisations that already look after the welfare and safety of their members are standard bearers for what is good in the brass band movement — so to have them with us and to inspire others to join would be great."

Find out more

To find out more and to sign up your individual or bands support for the open letter, go to: https://www.facebook.com/Bandspeoplesalliance/

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd