BBCA goes from ‘Strength to Strength’
At the Brass Band Conductors’ Association’s AGM on Saturday 27th July it was reported that the organisation has continued to go from strength to strength throughout 2023/4, with membership growth at 18%. Highlights have included the annual conducting competition, the panel discussion on female conductors and collaborations with other organisations such as Brass Bands England, Unibrass and the Wychavon contest to deliver on its core mission of creating and supporting a community of conductors in brass banding.
This optimism was reflected by Chairman James Holt, sharing in his report his ambition for the organisation to become the “go-to place” for all things conducting. He was later re-elected for a fourth year to lead the BBCA. Members of the meeting were thankful for his continued leadership and special mentions were also given to Vice Chair John Fricker and Secretary Rosie Banham.
The meeting was pleased to accept the recommendation of a number of changes to the executive that leads BBCA. It was announced that Jack Capstaff is the BBCA’s new Creative Projects lead. A spokesperson stated, “We look forward to sharing news of some of the fantastic projects he is currently working on. With an already extensive record for innovative and stylish musical projects we are excited to see him bring this energy to the BBCA.”
Amongst his first commitments will be to lead a fringe webinar, in collaboration with BBE, ahead of The Brass Band Conference in the autumn.
The newly-vacant PRO role has been filled by Matt Ryan, a former conducting competition winner who is pleased to join the Exec officially, having already supported the organisation, notably through his involvement in this year’s Unibrass conductor feedback.
Prior to the AGM the BBCA was informed by David Thornton and Tom Hancock of their intention to relinquish their positions as Area Representatives for The North and Midlands respectively. A representative from BBCA commented, “David has made great contributions to the organisation - hosting webinars, judging the conducting contest, and sharing his tremendous knowledge. We thank him for all of this and look forward to continuing to work with him in other ways in the future.” David’s role of Area Representative for the North has been split into two new regions - Northwest, and Yorkshire & Northeast. These two areas will now be led by Matt Ryan and Jack Capstaff, respectively.
Tom Hancock has been a leading light on events such as the inspiring wand workshops he led at BBE’s Youth Champs, engaging and exciting young conductors. BBCA thanked him for his dedication and wished him well with his conducting. Colum O’Shea was welcomed as the representative for the Midlands. BBCA commented, “Colum is a brand new addition to the Executive Team at BBCA and we look forward to the new perspectives he can bring to us within this role.”
There are still vacancies for a representative from the Welsh and Southwest areas. Please contact BBCA using the email below if you are interested. The BBCA is looking forward to an even more exciting and ambitious year in 2024/5. To find out more about the BBCA contact bbca@bbe.org.uk or visit the BBCA page on the Brass Bands England website: https://www.bbe.org.uk/join-us
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