The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced a groundbreaking new initiative, which will see the introduction of an additional element to this weekend's Scottish Championships.

New

This year's event will see two bands perform in the new Community Section, which will take place on Sunday (22nd) between the First and Championship Sections in the Caird Hall, Dundee, featuring Dysart Colliery and Callander Brass bands, neither of which have competed in recent years.

Emerging bands

SBBA's Development Officer, Alan Edmond, told 4BR: "I am pleased to be able to offer these emerging bands an opportunity to perform before a large audience in what has previously been an exclusively competitive event."

He added: "The two bands will be allowed play whatever music they like for up to 12 minutes each, however there will be no restrictions regarding personnel or instrumentation, and the focus will be upon enjoyment and ensuring that the bands are made to feel part of the burgeoning SBBA family."

Although there is no competitive element to the Community Section, the bands will receive a written appraisal from Alan Fernie, who will subsequently visit each of them to further assist with their future progress4BR

No competitive element

Although there is no competitive element to the Community Section, the bands will receive a written appraisal from Alan Fernie, who will subsequently visit each of them to further assist with their future progress.

Exciting

Alan concluded: "This is a very exciting development and, although we have decided to experiment with only two bands in this year's pilot project, we are aware that a number of other bands are very interested in participating in future events, so we expect this section to grow considerably in the years ahead."