A new approach to contest sponsorship by Geneva Instruments at the recent Siddis Entertainment Championships in Stavanger has seen the manufacturer set out a more sustainable pathway for young musicians.

That's according to Executive Director Vincent Eckerman who told 4BR that the company used its sponsorship at the event to challenge the usual focus of contest prizes, with an award designed to benefit young players beyond the competition stage.

Winners donation

Fourth Division winner Randaberg Musikkorps received instruments from the new Geneva Academy range for donation to local school band Randaberg Skolekorps. The presentation (above) was made by Geneva Instruments UK General Manager Simon Miller at the event's Gala Concert.

Vincent Eckerman told 4BR: "The initiative reflects Geneva's intention to review how its support of competitions can make a long-term difference. Top bands often have stronger opportunities to attract sponsorship and raise income through concerts and other events, while the needs of developing players and local school bands can be less visible.

Rather than concentrating the benefits of sponsorship at the top of the contest structure, Geneva wants to use future sustainable initiatives to strengthen the grassroots of brass banding. For us, the Siddis award offers a practical example: success by an established band helps put instruments into the hands of young musicians in its own community."

Closer links

4BR was also informed that the company also hopes to encourage closer, lasting links between community bands and local schools — helping to create a pathway supporting children who enjoy ensemble playing and offering opportunities to develop beyond their first lessons.

Mr Eckerman added: "That thinking also underpins Geneva Academy, our new range for beginners, schools, music hubs and developing ensembles.

It's guiding principle is that an affordable instrument should still be reliable, durable and worth maintaining, rather than treated as a disposable first purchase."

Wider progression

4BR was told that the Academy range sits at the beginning of a wider progression pathway through Geneva Heritage to Cardinal Professional instruments. Eligible part-exchange opportunities are intended to retain value as players progress, while instrument care, servicing and reuse are part of the company's sustainability approach.

Mr Eckerman said: "In the UK, Academy instruments are also available to rent through Geneva's preferred rental partner, Renticy. This gives families the option of starting lessons without immediately buying an instrument, helping reduce one of the barriers to taking up music."

For us, the Siddis award offers a practical example: success by an established band helps put instruments into the hands of young musicians in its own communityVincent Eckerman

Example

An example of this he said was its work with Haxby Junior School and the Charity Generation Groove.

"The school is now on its second allocation of instruments for pupils who have shown a particular enthusiasm for learning and for playing together beyond the normal curriculum.

The Stavanger presentation is a starting point for the way Geneva intends to develop its sponsorship and sustainable initiatives. The message is a simple one: the future strength of the brass band movement depends not only on rewarding the bands that win today, but on making it possible for tomorrow's players to begin."