With growing concerns over severe financial constraints at individual banding as well as government levels, the Scottish Brass Band Association has stated that it has ‘very real concerns’ over its proposed hosting of the European Championships in Perth in 2014.

Meanwhile, it was also revealed it has also considered the possibility of sending a composite Scottish band to compete at future European Brass Band Championship events.

Discussion

The issues were discussed at an open forum at the recent SBBA AGM/Conference in Livingston, following the presentation of a far reaching report by its Development Committee – the remit of which is to develop a strategy for the Association over the next five year period.

Confident

Although confident of gaining significant financial help from the Scottish Parliament, the report stated that, ‘...there are real concerns as regards the financial implications for SBBA’ in hosting the European Championships, if it would risk ‘de-railing’ their other activities and programmes.

Firm progress

As a result, SBBA will seek to confirm what they call ‘firm progress’ has been made into guaranteed funding from the Scottish Government and/or other public agencies, as well as a renegotiation of terms with EBBA to ensure a fairer distribution of income from sponsors, media rights and other income generating streams.

They also stated that progress on the issue of ‘side events’ costs and the obligation placed upon the host nation to pay fees to EBBA and provide free hotel accommodation will also need to be made.

SBBA will seek to confirm what they call ‘firm progress’ has been made into guaranteed funding from the Scottish Government and/or other public agencies4BR

No policy

Although no official policy decision in respect to a composite band had been reached, it was revealed that discussions had taken place following confirmation that the 2011 Scottish Champion, Exchange Communications Whitburn would not be representing Scotland at the Championships in Rotterdam next May.

No decision to replace them had been received from runner up, Co-operative Funeralcare.

Possibility

It was announced that in future SBBA would only consider inviting the bands finishing in first and second place at the Scottish Championships to be their country’s representative, although some discussions concerning the possibility of sending a composite band if no individual representative could be found, have been explored.

Last resort

4BR understands that although seen as a ‘last resort’ measure by SBBA, the current EBBA rules may appear to allow for this to occur.

These state that a ‘nominated band’ can participate, although this is tempered by EBBA’s rule 23 (iii) that can consider disciplinary action if any action is undertaken which the EBBA deems detrimental to the reputation of the Championship.

Different approach

As one conference delegate told 4BR: "It cost Kingdom Brass over £25,000 to go to the last Europeans in Montreux. Bands in Scotland haven’t got that type of money to spare at present. Everyone wants Scotland to be successful in Europe, but it may be the right time to consider a different approach."