Andrew White, the Chairman of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors, has told 4BR that although delighted with the progress his organisation has made in the last 12 months, he is keen to see further progressive development in the future.

Exceeded

"This last year has exceeded all expectations," he said. "So many positive outcomes have been achieved by embracing change and by being proactive.

For instance — at our 2013 Convention we were deeply concerned about falling membership numbers, but we have seen a 15% increase in the past year through one to one support and our extensive free conducting masterclass programme."

Modernise

Andrew was keen to point out that hard work and a desire to modernise NABBC’s outlook has also seen a radical overhaul of administration and presentation, with the flagship ‘Conductor’ magazine now much more focussed and in colour, and new display banners and a modern website giving the organisation a definitive presence at events and on the internet.

He added: "Our website has extended its interaction with members via new articles and free promotion of professional cards.

We now actively use Facebook and our media output has been significantly increased."

Moving forward

Andrew is keen to keep things moving in the right direction.

"We have yet to fully embrace the skills and experiences of all our Regional Representatives and we are determined to engage with young conductors who share our ethos.

Indeed, it has been this focus which has rejuvenated our education committee into promoting the NABBC's Conducting Diplomas.”

Building

Other initiatives have also proven successful and will be built upon, as he explained.

"Our strategic work with the Arts Council England has had the most positive impact on our work, with much appreciated additional support from Blackpool Music Education Hub that helped provide master classes in Bury, Elland, Upminster and Gloucester in the past year, featuring excellent bands."

He added: "We also offered support to Wardle Anderson, Whitworth Vale & Healey, Besses Boys, Littleborough and Stackstead Bands, whilst the contributions made by Blackpool Music Education Hub have been excellent."

The NABBC has enjoyed a very good year and we are all aiming to continue to meet the needs of our current and prospective membersNABBC Chairman, Andrew White

Future

And as for the immediate future?

Andrew concluded: "Our new goals will see us review and rewrite our business plans, embrace the skills of our Regional Representatives, engage further with young conductors and provide a new panel to support our website and improve our PR.

We will also extend the existing writing panel of ‘The Conductor’ magazine in order to offer greater diversity and we will aim to increase the awareness of our Conducting Diploma and the work of our Education Committee.

The NABBC has enjoyed a very good year and we are all aiming to continue to meet the needs of our current and prospective members."