Most Brass Bands have survived a few recessions but this time around it’s much more serious. In a very short space of time we’ve seen a housing market meltdown and the collapse of financial systems. In the present financial climate the Arts are being hit particularly hard; isn’t it the case in most recessions? Community arts groups, including Brass Bands have been used to surviving in hard economic times and have often functioned on fairly meagre funds in more prosperous times. However, once again, Brass Bands need to adopt a survival strategy and forget about prosperity for the time-being. Bands need to worry about being survivors, not about being rich survivors.

The key to getting through the recession will be to preserve cash and do everything your band can to ensure it has got a solid banking situation. Through the recession Brass Bands need to cut capital expenditure where they can, avoid taking credit risks and make endeavour to stabilise their inventory of instruments, uniforms, equipment and sheet music, which could be susceptible to deflation.

Every band will require exceptionally tight cash control and excellent forecasting systems. It’s absolutely essential that those forecasting systems are realistic. Managing the balance sheet will bring rewards; as will a zero-based budgeting approach, where every cost is questioned. Brass Bands also need to take what they can from grants and concessions that are available to the Arts from many sources. Many grants are available for artistic or educational innovation and unique ways of engaging in cultural projects. The MAD4BB website (http://mad4bb.ning.com)
is a good resource and has information about various types of funding – sign your band or yourself up and take a look; it will cost you nothing but a little time!

When it comes to financial innovation, Brass Bands should do as much as they can – as long as it doesn’t cost anything! For some bands, innovating may be the only way to survive. Members of the BFBB visiting the website (www.bfbb.co.uk) can download various information packs that will assist them to develop good fiscal practices; useful packs include A Marketing Strategy Pack, A Fundraising Pack and A Financial Information Pack. These packs will soon be joined by another about ensuring your bands satiability.

In this recession, free advice and help is at hand, it won’t cost your band anything but you will need to do a little work to access it. Brass Bands will do as they have always done in recessions; survive – gnarled, but still operational

This year’s test piece making its UK contest debut is ‘Red Priest’ by the acclaimed international composer Philip Wilby, who describes it as “A Concerto after Vivaldi with special separations”; it includes four solo percussion parts and groupings of cornets and trombones spaced around the performance area. Listeners will recognise quotations from, amongst others, ‘The Four Seasons’, and Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’.

In recent years, the British Open Brass Band Championships has been a source of new music for the brass bands, written by established composers, which gone on to lift the profile and appeal of brass band music to wider and more diverse audiences time after time; it has also established a reputation for the commission of new test pieces which continues to this day. There has been a promise that the test piece for the 2012 British Open will be a new work which has already been commissioned. Future plans in the pipeline, for a new work in 2013, prove the Open’s continued commitment to the promotion of musical excellence and exciting brass music for its audiences.

Scores for ‘Red Priest’ are available from Prima Vista Musikk and tickets for the British Open are on sale from Symphony Hall Box Office.

The national debate on ‘what matters to you?’ which was launched in November last year, generated over 34,000 responses. People across the UK gave their views on the things that matter to them most in life, for their individual wellbeing and for measuring the wellbeing of the UK. The first set of national wellbeing indicators will be published in the autumn, for comment and further development.

Many people believe that participating in, or listening to, brass music can have an enormous influence on an individual’s physical health and on mental, emotional and social wellbeing; in other words, playing in a brass band (or just listening to one) is good for you. Moreover, scientific evidence now exists to prove the connection between music and a positive impact on the brain – not to mention the respiratory improvements that can be achieved through playing in a brass band. Brass music is known to affect players and listeners in many different ways:

 through quickened heart rates or increased relaxation
 by inspiring movement – tapping feet and body swaying (don’t let your MD catch you doing this whilst you are playing!)
 through mood and emotional changes
 by triggering memories.

The fact that music is processed in many different ways, and has physical, emotional and cognitive effects, may be the key to its power. A recent UK project involved children with emotional and behavioural difficulties who were normally extremely disruptive and found it difficult to concentrate in lessons. The researcher, Anne Savan, demonstrated that, when Mozart was played during science lessons, the children’s behaviour and concentration improved; pulse rate, blood pressure and temperature showed significant reductions. She suggested that the physiological changes were due to the brain producing endorphins that lowered blood pressure and adrenalin flow. These slowed the body’s metabolism and improved coordination. Brass Bands also enhance individuals’ sense of community and belonging. In light of the ONS report BFBB will be taking a look at banding and wellbeing and will be producing information packs that will be specifically aimed at encouraging participation in this area from bands.

Voluntary Arts submitted its own response to the ONS debate focusing on the importance active cultural participation has on individual and wellbeing. It is hoped that if the new indicators include considerations of culture, they will take into account active cultural participation, not just consumption of culture. ONS has promised to continue to engage with third sector organisations as their work programme moves forward.

The full report, ‘National Statistician’s reflections on the Debate on Measuring
National Well-being’ can be found at www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/article.asp?ID=2718.

A meeting at the Brass Band Archive took place on Friday 8th July 2011. The meeting considered a review of the Archive, prepared for the British Federation of Brass Bands earlier this year, together with a declaration of trust and the current copy of the Archive rules. Those around the table were asked what they hoped the meeting would achieve. Comments included:

 Finding a way forward for the future of the Archive
 Increased attendance at the Archive
 A secure future for the Archive

It was noted that the Archive’s services had seen an increased access since the Brass Band Archive website had been activated; enquires had been received from around the world. The Brass Band Archive is unique and unparalleled in the brass band sector. It is an important legacy for British heritage and brass bands around the world. Those at the meeting felt it is incumbent on the Trustees and in particular BFBB to ensure that it can continue being enjoyed by generations to come.

The meeting also discussed a programme of activities/exhibitions, the Archive currently takes an exhibition to the Butlins Contest annually and has shown elsewhere; the meeting was keen to expand this aspect of The Archives’ work. An educational programme was also discussed as part of future plans for the Archive.

Whilst talking about the make-up of the meeting it was agreed to seek new members, who are not trustees of the Archive, to attend the next meeting. Anyone interested should contact me, Philip Watson, on 07803 147100 or at devofficer@bfbb.co.uk – you will be made most welcome. The next meeting will be held at the Brass Band Archive on Wednesday, 12th October 2011 at 10:00 a.m.; however a meeting of the Trustees is planned before that date.

Objective
Every Post Code district should have a Brass Band

Post Code Districts are a useful device for grouping the population of the UK. They define where the people live and where our communities are based. There are currently 2,971 Post Code Districts in the UK. By establishing a Brass Band in every district the BFBB will be able to provide the opportunity for individuals from all communities to participate either as musicians, volunteers or audience members.

BFBB will work on the following delivery programmes:

 Establish the UK Brass Band Map as the definitive statement of Brass Band coverage in the UK and use it to track progress towards meeting this objective.

 Identify, develop, endorse and share best practice models for establishing new Brass Bands across the UK

 Provide comprehensive and definitive information packs and training services on how to overcome any obstacles that new bands may experience.

 Work with local cultural, educational and voluntary sector delivery partners and service providers to articulate the benefits of participation and help new bands to get started

 The BFBB will continue to raise the profile of the Brass Band sector nationally.

TARGETS:

 There are currently estimated to be around 1000 Brass Bands in the UK, 800 of which are in England (source: www.ibew.co.uk).

 By 2015 the BFBB will work with our partners to increase this number by 50% to 1500 Bands in the UK, 1200 in England.

 By 2020 the BFBB expect to come close to the goal of a Brass Band for every Post Code District by achieving a target of 2400 in England.

Objective
Every Brass Band must offer training or youth participation opportunities

BFBB will work with established and new Brass Bands to ensure that they can all offer training / youth participation opportunities to the children and young people of their local community. As BFBB works with its partners to establish a Brass Band in all UK Post Code Districts, the possibility of being able to offer these participation opportunities to every child and young person should become a reality.

BFBB will work on the following delivery programmes:
 Verify how many of the Bands of the UK Brass Band Map can offer training or youth participation opportunities and use it to track progress towards meeting this objective.

 Identify, develop, endorse and share best practice models for establishing training or youth participation opportunities in all Brass Bands.

 Provide comprehensive and definitive information packs and services (e.g. CRB checks) on how bands can deliver services to children and young people safely and in accordance with current legislation.

 Work with local cultural, educational and voluntary sector delivery partners or service providers to articulate the benefits and help establish training or youth participation opportunities within all UK bands

 Use the BFBB’s National Youth Brass Band Championships and the newly established National University Brass Band Championships to raise the profile of the active participation of children and young people in high quality music making within the Brass Band sector.

 The BFBB will help all its partners to promote the training and youth participation opportunities available directly to children and young people.

TARGETS:

 It is currently estimated that about 50% of Brass Bands provide good quality Training / Youth Participation opportunities for children and young people.

 By 2015 BFBB will work with our partners to increase this figure to 75% of Brass Bands.

 By 2020 BFBB expects this figure to be nearly 100% of Brass Bands.

Objective
Every BFBB member values greatly the services and support provided by the organisation

BFBB will prioritise the development and delivery of high value support services to its member bands and associations. Over the next 4 years BFBB expects to significantly grow its membership numbers as a direct result of this work.

BFBB will work on the following delivery programmes:

 Maximising the opportunity for member bands to participate in major national celebrations and help raise the profile of the whole Brass Band sector, some examples:

o Olympics and Paralympics events.
o Torch Relay as it visits every county in the UK.
o Specific Cultural Olympiad events (e.g. Bandstand Marathon, New Music 20×12 commission, Musical Baton Relay, etc…)

 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (e.g. the People’s Millions)

 Assist and train members on the use of the latest digital technologies to promote their services to increase the level of participation in their local Brass Band activities (e.g. learning to play, volunteering, listening, etc..).
 By providing a definitive source of relevant funding information for bands and for sharing best practice across the sector.

 A member’s only area for accessing and downloading the latest BFBB information packs for bands (e.g. Governance, Child Protection, Diversity, Marketing, Legal, etc…)

 A “One Stop Shop” with interactive maps (using Google Maps technology) to assist the general public to locate and participate in the activities of local brass bands / brass band events.

 Online ticketing for member events using “We Got Tickets”

 Online internet streaming of rehearsals and performances using Ustream TV.

 Additional promotional coverage through featuring entries / events / activities of member bands

 E-newsletter tools/services for member bands

 Online evaluation tools for feedback from participants / audience members (e.g. SurveyMonkey)

 Networking and Advocacy on behalf of BFBB members and the Brass Band Sector with key strategic partners (All Party Parliamentary Group for Brass Bands, Voluntary Arts, Arts Council England, National Lottery, PRS Foundation, Music Education Service Providers, etc…)

 Use the English National Brass Band Championships as an exemplar of supreme musical excellence to showcase the very best that the Brass Band sector can deliver for fellow musicians to aspire to and for audiences to enjoy.

This will be an exciting programme of work in exciting times.

New Format:

This year’s new format will reflect that of the European Brass Band Championships; at 10 a. m. in the morning we will listen to the bands play the set test piece, ‘Elgar Variations’ by Martin Ellerby, which BFBB commissioned for the European Brass Band Championships when they were held in Birmingham. Then in the afternoon, at 2 p. m., there will be the chance to hear the bands play their own choice. A day’s long performance of some of the greatest ever brass music by the ten best bands in England – it shouldn’t be missed.

Publicity:

The Guildhall has the event featured in their brochure, with the main mailing going out soon. BFBB has supplied the Guildhall with leaflets and these are displayed around the venue along with A3 posters.

The Guildhall’s season advertisement in ‘The Fulwood Focus’ has appeared and the Championships were also listed in the Lancashire Evening Post ladder advertisement, – this will appear again towards the end of the month and into June. The ENBBC will be also be mentioned in the season press release going out with the brochure, and have an exclusive release to local press at the end of May. This release will also be sent to papers local to the bands appearing.

A banner featuring June shows at the Guildhall, including the English National Brass Band Championships, will go up outside the venue next week and stay there until after the event.

Buy a ticket:

Adults £15
Under 16s £10
Concessions for groups

Telephone the Guildhall: 01772 258 858

The opening and closing ceremonies for both the Olympic and Para-Olympic Games:
An announcement was not expected until December 2010 regarding the opening and closing ceremonies. Mr Danny Boyle will determine the artistic content of the opening and closing ceremonies. National umbrella bodies will then be contacted for assistance to provide advice and participants etc. The opening and closing ceremonies will be watched, live on TV by over 1 billion people, therefore, TV companies, principally the BBC, have been involved, and will continue to be involved, with the artistic input. This is important because the organisers want the spectacle to be a showpiece for a TV audience in particular rather than a mere recording of the proceedings. Over two thirds of the opening/closing ceremony is prescribed by the Olympic Committee which involves a parade, lighting the torch etc. and, therefore, has little artistic input. The Olympic Games take place only six weeks before the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which will also have a huge national impact; one of the aims of the opening and closing ceremonies will be to provide a ‘narrative of the entire year’. Rehearsals will take place at 3 Mill Studios close to the venue. Mr Green assured BFBB that there will be plenty of notice regarding requirements for the ceremonies – “no late calls”.

Welcome Ceremonies:
205 countries will attend the games. The athletes and VIPs from all participating nations are welcomed to the games at Welcome Ceremonies – usually several countries at once. These ceremonies will involve the playing of national anthems and flag raising. The plan so far is for120 of these ceremonies to take place over 7 days. This may be an excellent chance for brass bands to get involved with the activities and BFBB will be monitoring progress regarding the Welcoming Ceremonies with a view to as many of our bands being involved as possible.

UK Olympic Torch Relay:
The torch relay will commence on Friday, 18th May 2012. The torch will take 8 weeks to arrive at the Olympic stadium in time for the opening ceremony. It will visit 70 places over night and there is likely to be some kind of event at each of the 70 UK towns/cities/venues that it visits. Local Authorities will be responsible for the events and activities in their own area and it should be the local authority that bands/BFBB will need to contact in order to include local brass bands in their own area’s event. The route will be announced in May 2011. Prior to that, BFBB will contact County Councils in January 2011 as it is intended that the torch will travel through every county in the UK.

Victory ‘Medal’ Ceremonies:
National Anthems are played – usually from a CD – at the Victory or Medal Ceremonies for winners after events. BFBB asked for brass bands to be appointed to make the CD’s, however, the Olympic Committee insists that orchestras produce the CDs.

The meeting was very positive and there should be a place for brass bands at the Olympics; BFBB will continue to look for opportunities.