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The Brass Bulletin | 6th January

Welcome to The Brass Bulletin!

In these uncertain times, news moves fast and that is no exception for brass band news.

Also, with social media algorithms being what they are, sometimes great stories within our community get lost amongst the hustle and bustle of the news feed.

So, I thought I would create a bite-sized round-up that will summarise some of the most important news items and shine a spotlight on some wonderful stories from our community.

Anyway, a lot has happened this week, so grab your cuppa and let's jump into the top stories!

Rejoicing Postponed Until September

Obviously, we have to start with the news about the British Open.

The 168th event should have taken place last September, but it was postponed to Sunday 23rd January 2022, due to Covid.

Rising Covid cases have been a cause for concern and after discussions with the competing bands; Birmingham-based music charity, B:Music and 'The World Rejoicing' composer Edward Gregson, the decision to postpone the contest was made.

The contest will now take place on Saturday 10th September 2022.

B:Music will be getting in touch with ticket holders regarding the new date and will also notify you of the refund process if you now can't make the new date.

Now everybody say a collective prayer and hope that we will be rejoicing on the 10th September this year, because we can watch some of the top bands in the business premiering a work by a legendary brass band composer.

BBE Announce Bold as Brass Contest

Speaking of contests, there is a new contest on the horizon, which is always good news!

Here is everything you need to know!

Event: Bold as Brass Contest

When: Saturday 25th June

Where: National Coal Mining Museum of England, Wakefield

Who can enter: Bands in Second Section and below

Programme: Road march (up to 6 mins long and can be performed stationary, if preferred) and a 20-minute entertainment performance

Prizes: Trophies for overall best band and various categories, People's Band Award (audience vote) and a range of non-cash prizes for supporting your band's development

Entrance Fee: FREE!

Now, this is an interesting point: there will be a non-competitive section that will allow bands to simply perform, which is a fantastic opportunity for a band who just wants to get out there and entertain an audience in a fantastic venue!

The deadline for entries is midnight on Thursday 14th April.

Not only is it free entry to compete, but the first 6 bands to sign up will also receive £50!

Big plans for UniBrass in 2022

UniBrass had its AGM at the beginning of this week, which I was lucky enough to attend and it was amazing to see that this innovative and driven organisation is flourishing!

Following the successes of their open-air championships and their Band Camp last year - they are gearing up for another busy year.

Firstly plans are well underway for the 2022 UniBrass Brass Band Championships, which will be held on Saturday 5th February 2022 with 22 bands taking part.

The UniBrass contest is known for its fantastic atmosphere and its thrilling social event and, after the restrictions of last year, they are determined to come back with a bang and provide (in the words of UniBrass Chairperson, Andrew Straiton)'The Full Unibrass Experience'.

Two full sections of bands and gala performances from Friary Guildford Brass Band, Bone-afied Trombone Quartet and jazz trombonist Dennis Rollins will make up the action-packed contest and I really hope they manage to get there without Covid spoiling things, as it is an amazing event!

Other projects announced during the AGM include a new scheme known as 'Artist in Association', which will enable 3 chosen bands, with no professional conducting, access to 3 pro-performers to provide support and help them to improve, as well as an even bigger and better 'Band Camp 2.0' later this year!

10 Years of Foden's Youth

Foden's Youth Band are celebrating 10 years of music-making in 2022, which is an amazing achievement and here's to many more years!

As a Foden's Youth Alumni, I can testify just how incredible it is to be a part of the band and you could be part of it this year!

Both the Youth and Junior bands are inviting young, ambitious players to sign up!

So, if you are a young person or you know a young person who wants to make new friends, have the opportunity to be taught by some of the best players in banding and play incredible music, you NEED to get yourself signed up.

Foden's Junior Band: For grades 2-5, aged 18 and under.

Foden's Youth Band: For grades 5+, aged 21 and under.

Find out more: https://www.fodensband.co.uk/youth-band/about-the-youth-band/

And that sums it up for this week's edition of The Brass Bulletin!

Let's see what next week brings!