Representatives from across Scotland came to Livingston last weekend for the 2016 Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) AGM & Learning Festival.

Revised format

The event featured a revised format which included a series of workshops and presentations on a wide range of subjects, as well as an open 'Question & Answer' session with members of the SBBA Executive.

Almost 40 bands were represented and heard from speakers, including professional percussionist Alasdair Rankin, Dr Lio Moscardini, a senior lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, and Morag Macdonald, creative learning officer at Creative Scotland. Meanwhile, whilst workshops were led by Euan Meikle, Kenneth Crookston and Alan Friel, Head of East Ayrshire Instrumental Music Service.

Delighted by feedback

SBBA President Carrie Boax, told 4BR: "The SBBA Learning Festival was a tremendous success. We are delighted with the feedback received from delegates who were able to attend the workshops and presentations given by leading figures in music, the media and education.

We are always keen to hear about ways of developing the event, but the success of this Festival has shown there is a clear appetite among our members to continue developing their organisations to play a crucial role in communities across Scotland."

A formal outstanding service presentation was also made to renowned cornet player and conductor Archie Hutchison (above), whilst presentations were made to thank, SBBA photographer Linda Cairns and Mary Thomson, honorary vice president of Renfrew Burgh Band.

We are delighted with the feedback received from delegates who were able to attend the workshops and presentations given by leading figures in music, the media and educationSBBA President Carrie Boax

SBBA Executive

At the SBBA AGM Ann Murray and Tom Allan retained their roles as Vice-President and Secretary respectively, whilst Alan Douglas, John Gilmour, Steven Gray, Danny Harrison, Damian Martin, Euan Meikle, Elaine Roxburgh, Andrew Smith, Colin Stevely and Raymond Thomson were elected to the SBBA Executive Committee. Allan Wardrope retained his role as SBBA's independent financial examiner.