4BR understands that initial moves are being examined to provide leading bands in the UK with a forum for sharing best practice and collaboration, as well as professional representation and advice on a wide range of commercial matters.

Discussions were hosted by Andrew Coe, the former interim CEO of Brass Bands England at an informal meeting at the recent RNCM Festival of Brass, where various topics and issues where broached to gauge opinions, concerns and possible solutions.

Common interests

Andrew is the commercial manager of Grimethorpe Colliery Band and has enjoyed a long and successful career working in international business. He told 4BR that the meeting was hopefully the first step in being able to bring leading bands together on a regular basis to discuss matters of common interest and concern.

"Having already contacted a number of leading bands and figures within the movement this was a highly encouraging first step,"he said.

"There seems to be a joint desire to help bring a level of professional representation to the UK's leading bands. Being willing to set aside our naturally competitive culture in the interests of moving our band organisations forward, is an obvious, but perhaps long-overlooked idea!"

Everyone's interests

He added: "For bands involved the complex and legalistic world of entertainment and performance it can be intimidating to try to deal in isolation with commercial, contractual and legal matters.

Collectively however bands can utilise expert guidance to work more closely with third party promoters to ensure that everyone's interests are fairly and openly represented.

We also see value in reaching out and learning from related areas of musical performance in, for example, the orchestral world."

Collectively however bands can utilise expert guidance to work more closely with third party promoters to ensure that everyone's interests are fairly and openly representedAndrew Coe

Shared ambition

Andrew concluded: "Based on our initial discussions there appears to be a shared ambition to seek the type of advice, help and assistance that is the norm for leading professional musical ensembles.

If this proves to be successful then it may help to create a foundation that can be developed to benefit bands in the wider community."

It is understood that Andrew will now contact a number leading bands throughout the UK to invite them for further informal discussions and presentations in the near future.