Brass Bands England reveals new appointments
Brass Bands England (BBE) has announced the successful candidates in its recent search for five Youth Development Brass Specialists, working as part of the organisation’s new Brass Foundations education project. Sheila Allen, Paul Fisher, Paul McLaughlin, Helen Minshall and Deirdre Waller-Box were chosen from an outstanding field of applicants and across the next six months are available to provide assistance and guidance for bands in their areas, as well as actively forming new partnerships with cultural organisations, schools and Music Education Hubs.
BBE’s Education and Development Manager, Sarah Baumann, commented: “The Brass Bands England team are delighted to be joined by the five new Youth Development Brass Specialists who come with a wealth of skill, experience and enthusiasm. Although we know that COVID-19 restrictions mean that face-to-face activity will not be possible immediately, the team will be actively delivering online activity and creating resources to support bands in their respective areas. We know that many Hubs have seen a reduction in uptake for brass tuition from schools, and so we feel this opportunity will be vital in ensuring young people continue to take up brass instruments and find their love of music within their local brass band.”
These newly formed posts have been created thanks to the invaluable funding received as part of the Cultural Recovery Fund. The Brass Foundations project will also result in the creation of a peer network for youth band leaders across the country, with more information being made available in coming weeks.
Sarah continued: “We would like to encourage bands close to one of the post-holders to get in touch to find out how we can help. Whether you have a thriving youth band, have struggled to engage with young people throughout the last year or have aspirations to start a youth band, the team can assist and bring with them their experience and passion for young people playing brass!’
Any questions about the Brass Foundations project can be directed to BBE’s Education and Development Manager Sarah Baumann on sarah@bbe.org.uk, or by contacting one of the Youth Development Brass Specialists in your local area.
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