The Scottish Brass Band Association

Scotland is in a unique position where, in contrast to some other countries, brass bands are thriving. Over the past 5 years, the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has created 40 new youth brass bands and recently a Norwegian brass band commentator stated that “Scotland is setting Europe on fire”.

SBBA was formed in 1895 and has gone through its ups and downs as brass band playing was significantly reduced after the Second World War and suffered further with the decline in traditional industries.

However, through SBBA’s proactive and strategic approach, assisted by the support of Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative, brass band playing has taken a dramatic positive turnaround in Scotland.  Brass band members and bands are on the increase and it is anticipated that there will be 45 youth bands (an increase of 500% in 5 years), totalling over 1400 young musicians, participating at this year’s Scottish Youth Brass Band Championships & Festival on the 26 & 27 November in Perth Concert Hall. This will make it the biggest youth brass band event in the world!   

SBBA collaborates with schools, initially putting on a concert in a school by one of the youth bands to generate the interest of pupils and recruit new players, and then by building on the work of school instrumental teachers by creating bands to provide experience in ensemble playing.

Local brass bands and their musicians support the young players by giving them opportunities to participate and play together in partnership.  This enables the younger members to benefit from mentoring by the experienced musicians and in addition, introduces them to more advanced pieces.

To develop excellence, SBBA organises area workshops run by accomplished players and virtuosi, for young players of varying standards, grouped into appropriate ensembles and culminating in concerts by each ensemble.

The pinnacle of their development system is the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS). Recognised as one of the best in the world, they recently premiered the brass version of James Stephenson’s 2^nd Trumpet Concerto and performed it with the American jazz virtuoso Rex Richardson – who the piece was especially written for and flew from the US to perform the concerto with the band.

SBBA has recently employed a new Development Manager, Andrew Duncan, whose professional music and work experiences will add even further depth and excellence to the work of his predecessor, Alan Edmond.

“working with SBBA has been the most satisfying time of my life.  It’s been uplifting to see what these young people have achieved.  Now I’m leaving, I can say that SBBA is the most progressive band organisation in the world and it’s been a pleasure working with this organisation”. - Alan Edmon, former SBBA Development Manager

In its next 5 year strategy, SBBA has plans for creating 70 new brass bands (youth and adult) in areas of Scotland where none currently exist, as well as 5 regional NYBBS bands.   

For further information:

Visit the Scottish Brass Band Association website or contact

Andrew Duncan
Development Manager
Scottish Brass Band Association
andrewduncan@sbba.org.uk

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