Awards For All, funded by the National Lottery Scheme, has just awarded the Hathern Band £10,000 towards the cost of equipment, instruments and to commission a new piece of music to develop the band’s concert repertoire and for the band to perform at entertainment competitions.

Purchase

The band has secured funding to purchase two euphoniums and a baritone for the main band to release three instruments for the Youth Band.

The band is working the ever expanding Youth and Training bands to enable them to compete at next years Youth Brass Band Championships. The band will also buy recording equipment which will enhance their learning by providing a record and playback facility.

I am really pleased to hear that Hathern’s bid has been successful. They are a worthy candidate for funding having four bands within the Hathern banner and providing free music tuition to many young playersCarole Crompton

Commission

In addition to this the band are commissioning Dean Jones, a British Salvationist composer to write a concert finisher which will be used at the band’s forthcoming concerts. The commission will be dedicated to celebrating the life of the Hathern Band organisation that has been in existence for over 145 years.

Delight at funding

The band is absolutely delighted with the news of their award. Lesley Bentley, Band Secretary commented to 4BR: "We got the idea from a funding seminar organised by the West Midlands Brass Band Association where Carole Crompton and David Hirst presented a seminar giving advice to brass bands on the most appropriate funding schemes available to bands and how and what to apply for."

Worthy candidate

Carole Crompton helped the band through the application process and commented to 4BR: "I am really pleased to hear that Hathern’s bid has been successful. They are a worthy candidate for funding having four bands within the Hathern banner and providing free music tuition to many young players."

Carole added: "The commission will be a useful source of repertoire not only to Hathern but to bands throughout the country, there is a definite lack of good finale’s around so this is the most appropriate type of piece to go for."

Lesley and Carole are already pursuing other sources of funding to continue Hathern Band’s development progression.