The death was announced earlier this week of Frank Wolff, the founder of the Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain. He was 92.

Frank Wolff was a Dutch emigree who settled in Oxford in 1954 with his wife Janee, joined the local City of Oxford Band and subsequently formed the City of Oxford Youth Band in 1966 which made several continental and international tours.

His children, Elaine and Marilyn both followed their father's footsteps in music and as teenagers studied trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music.

YABB

Formed in 1978, 'YABB' became a hugely popular touring band, with an estimated 600 plus young players enjoying trips from Europe to the USA and Canada. The success also saw them also record an LP.

Speaking to 4BR in 2013 following a tour to Luxembourg, Frank Wolff said: "I originally formed the band to provide some additional playing opportunities for my two daughters and their friends when they became too old to remain in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Since that time, we have had numerous successful tours abroad. Each time a new generation of brass players are given the opportunity to represent the UK in a series of popular and well received concerts."

BBE Award

Earlier this year he was presented with the Brass Bands England 'Outstanding Services to Brass Bands' accolade at the retirement home where he lived in his later years.

The award was made by Mike Kilroy, Chairman of BBE, who said at the presentation: "It has been a privilege to acknowledge such a wonderful gentleman and musician.

His dedication, commitment and leadership has inspired countless young players who met him through his brass banding work. His has been a lifetime of outstanding service to the movement."

At that presentation his daughter Elaine said: "My sister and I love my father and are so proud of what he has achieved in his life. He has brought so much joy to so many people.

Getting this award is fabulous recognition for everything he has done, both for us, but for the countless musicians across the country, and overseas.

Our late mother, Janny, would be proud of him too. His selfless work in organising charitable concerts in the UK and overseas concerts as part of the countless tours he organised brought so much joy to so many people."

His dedication, commitment and leadership has inspired countless young players who met him through his brass banding work. His has been a lifetime of outstanding service to the movementMike Kilroy, BBE

Hugely respected

Frank Wolff was also the President and a hugely respected member of the City of Oxford Silver Band for almost 70 years, as well as a Vice-President of the Oxfordshire & District Brass Band Association.

His death was announced by his daughter Elaine who wrote: "'It is with great sadness that I inform you that my father Frank Wolff has passed away on Sunday 16th October at the age of 92.

Many people will know him for setting up the Young Ambassadors Brass Band of Great Britain for which he organised 97 overseas tours to Europe, America and Canada and was involved with the City of Oxford Silver Band where he played cornet and was their president."

Dedications and messages of condolence were posted on social media from across the banding world in recognition of his inspirational services to the brass band movement.

(image courtesy of Philip Hind)
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