Willebroek Youth withdraw from EBBC

The management of Brass Band Willebroek have unfortunately had to take the decision to withdraw Young Brass Band Willebroek from the European Youth Brass Band Championships 2018 in Utrecht. The band has enjoyed great experiences at the contest in previous years, winning three titles, with the last one being particularly special as it was won on home soil in Belgium.  
 
The contest imposes an age limit on competitors of 22 years old, and as such it has been a struggle for YBBW to gather a full band in order to defend their title and participate for a fourth time.  A spokesperson for the band explained, "YBBW and BBW are one financial organization and since Brass Band Willebroek will take part at the EBBC, it was not possible to finance both bands. Belgium is a small country and to maintain the high standard of musicianship of (young) Willebroek, it is hard to find the right players. To be able to participate we would have to find another four basses, a tenor horn, a soprano player and two percussionists under the age of 22. 
 
"For all these reasons it was clear that YBBW unfortunately will not be able to participate at the EYBBC next year. Of course, who knows what the future will bring! But, for now YBBW enjoys being national champion in their division and looks forward to competing at the Flemish Open in April with their popular Musical Director, Lode Violet. Young Brass Band Willebroek wishes all participating bands good luck and a really enjoyable stay at Utrecht with a lot of great music and atmosphere. The EYBBC is a great initiative to stimulate the youth that most certainly must continue to expand in the future."  
 
Kor Niehof, the General Secretary of The European Brass Band Association was keen to show understanding and respect for the decision made by YBBW: “We think it is quite clear that these reasons are sufficient not to come to the EYBBC next year. The past few years we really enjoyed the band's playing and are honoured that we had such a band participating at the EYBBC. We are looking forward to seeing Brass Band Willebroek again at the EBBC and wish both bands and conductors good luck with all their plans for the future.” 
 
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