The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced that they have secured a 12-month sponsorship agreement instrument manufacturer, Geneva Instruments.

Significant

It is understood that the significant level of funding being offered by Geneva will assist SBBA in its work in expanding brass banding across Scotland, including support for its rapidly growing Youth Development Programme and of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

In the last 5 years, SBBA has introduced over 2,000 children to the benefits of brass band music, resulting in a continued strengthening of the adult player infrastructure throughout the country.

Major step

John Hamilton, SBBA Commercial Development Manager commented to 4BR: "This partnership is a major step forward for SBBA. It not only provides financial assistance for our work, but is further enhanced by the expertise and opportunities Geneva’s ‘Brass Clinicians’ can bring to our member bands.

These will help to develop the technical abilities of individual players through workshops and master-classes, resulting in a collective improvement to bands in Scotland."

Optimistic

He added: “I’m very optimistic that this new relationship will flourish, because of the mutual respect, understanding and drive for the furtherance of brass bands, which is shared by both parties. It has been a pleasure working with Geneva MD Craig Buchan to lay the foundations for this agreement and we are very grateful for his commitment to our work."

I’m very optimistic that this new relationship will flourish, because of the mutual respect, understanding and drive for the furtherance of brass bands, which is shared by both partiesJohn Hamilton, SBBA

Option

4BR understands that the sponsorship is for an initial 12-month period and it is hoped that Geneva Instruments will look to take advantage of the renewal option prior to the end date, viewing the partnership as a long-term investment in the brass players and bands of the future.

George Burt, President of SBBA added: "We are implementing a long-term development strategy that will continue to achieve the expansion of brass bands in Scotland, together with the modernisation of the movement.

It is far-sighted of Geneva Instruments to support us in this way. Whilst the Association is still a long way from obtaining the level of funding required to carry out its many ambitious plans, this sponsorship represents a very significant cornerstone to help the Association on its journey."

Progressive

Craig Buchan, Managing Director of Geneva Instruments responded: "It is quite apparent that SBBA is progressive in its thinking and approach. As a British company, we are very proud to be working with them we are looking forward to a mutually successful partnership.

The Executive Committee have a clear goal of exactly what they want to achieve, borne through professional values, making it an easy decision to offer our support."