*
banner

Financial boost for Eikanger youth development

The Norwegian champion's commitment to inspiring and developing the next generation of young players has been recognised and supported by one of Norway's largest banks.

Eikanger
  Eikanger has developed a number of strong youth link initiatives

The 2023 Norwegian National and Siddis Champion, Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag has gained substantial financial support for their youth development work with a sponsorship award from regional bank, Sparebanken Vest.

The main offices of the third largest bank in Norway are based in Bergen. As one of 123 savings banks in the country it has an ethos based on supporting organisations in their municipalities.

Youth support

Eikanger received NOK 600,000 (approx. £44,000/51,000 Euro) for its 'Band-ID' (Korps-ID), initiative, which supports and develops players aged between 12 and 16.

This is the age span which experiences the largest loss of players, with Eikanger determined to address this with links to local bands and schools in their region through inspirational teaching, masterclasses and concerts as well as organisational advice and support to band volunteers and committees.

Summer school and Youth Band

Earlier this year the bank granted NOK 200,000 (approx. £14,600/17,000 Euro) to help support Eikanger's annual summer school and general youth programme work, whilst its regional Youth Band, Hordaland Ungdomskorps also received NOK 200,000 to help enhance its outreach and ongoing work.

In total Sparebanken Vest, has granted NOK 1,000,000 (approx. £73,000/85,000 Euro) to assist Eikanger's youth focussed work in 2023.

The band is very grateful as these grants help us inspires and motivate the next generation of players, conductors, staff and supporters of bands in our region and Eikanger or course!Eikamger Bjorsvik

Grateful

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "The band is very grateful as these grants help us inspires and motivate the next generation of players, conductors, staff and supporters of bands in our region and Eikanger or course!

We are proud that our efforts are recognised and supported in this way."

The band will enjoy working with conducting students this weekend in a project initiated by the Norwegian Band Federation and led by conductor Andreas Hanson.

Festive cheer

The band's own annual Christmas Concert, conducted by Reid Gilje will be held at Knarvik Church on Friday 15th December with special guests Bergen Kornettensemble led by Preben Johansen.

Eikanger's year will be rounded off with a special New Year's Eve afternoon concert at Bergen's Grieghallen.

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    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

June 9 • Join presenter Martin Upfold for more great brass band music over the airwaves


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd