SERVICES TO MEMBERS

A member of the national organisation for brass bands can expect representation of themselves to related organisations, and also a place to be democratically recognised. We are constantly working behind the scenes for member brass bands, promoting them to those outside the movement, and ensuring that they are put forward for performance opportunities. ‘Instant’ benefits are a free Directory of British Brass Bands, advice on any banding issues, free access to our music library, reduced hotel rates and discounted insurance rates through our specially created ‘Fedsure’ scheme. Over the coming years we wish to add to and ‘upgrade’ the instant benefits of membership. We will be looking out for areas where we can negotiate money saving deals or discounts for members for various services, but at the same time continuing to work on issues of interest to members. These include lobbying local authorities to include more brass bands in their community entertainment schedules, overseeing national contesting procedures and locating funds to distribute to member bands for brass band workshops.

THE BRITISH BRASS BAND REGISTRY
The Registry is the cardinal entry point, where all records of contesting bands and their competing musicians are chronicled and regulated in accordance with the Rules of the Registry. Currently, over 550 registered bands and over 17,000 registered 'active'
brass musicians are regulated through the Registry.

BRASS BAND HERITAGE TRUST
The Brass Band Heritage Trust (BBHT) is an independent registered charity (No: 1037552), founded in 1994 to advance the interests of youth brass bands and the brass band movement as a whole. It seeks to preserve the past, promote the present and foster the future of brass banding, and was incorporated under the BFBB in the year 2000.

EUROPEAN BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION
The BFBB is an active member of the European Brass Band Association (EBBA). A BFBB Executive Committee member holds the position of Vice-President in the organisation, representing English brass bands.

FEDSURE
Provides a tailor-made, all-in-one insurance scheme offering all risks cover (on a “new for old” basis), negotiated by the BFBB on behalf of its member bands. The scheme is one of the many benefits of membership – discounted rates are only available to fully paid-up members.

ADJUDICATION LIST
The BFBB works closely with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, who meet on a regular basis to consult and agree on a BFBB maintained list of around 60 adjudicators deemed qualified to adjudicate at National & Regional Contests.

MUSIC PANEL
The music panel was brought together by the Executive Committee of the British Federation of Brass Bands to develop its music policies, with regard to the commissions of new music and choices for contest test-pieces for the National Brass Band Championships. The panel is made up of six brass band musicians who together have a wide and long standing experience in brass band contesting through playing, adjudication, conducting and associations with youth bands through to championship level banding. They will continue to meet regularly to assess the suitability of music for test pieces in relation to the section (or level) of contesting they are required for, encourage new pieces to be presented to them and commission composers to write new works for brass bands.

HELP & ADVICE
Members are welcome to contact the Federation offices for advice on banding issues. For example, funding advice, child protection issues, and much more.

DIRECTORY BRITISH BRASS BANDS
Published annually by the BFBB, it is the recognised source for banding contact details. The directory is distributed free to every member band and association.

REGULAR MAGAZINE
The BFBB publishes a quarterly magazine (In4orm) which is distributed directly to all member bands advising them of banding and Federation news.

CONFERENCES
Conferences are held to keep members abreast of Federation activities and to give the opportunity for the silent majority to be heard.

MUSIC LIBRARY
A selection of music parts and scores, including the library of the former City of Coventry Band, located at the National Office in Barnsley.

TRAINING & RECRUITMENT
Training and recruitment of young players has always been a priority for the Federation, and when possible funds are made available (through application) to Federation members for this purpose.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Federation is constantly in touch with both local and national media promoting the interests of member brass bands.

Membership is just £65 per band per year and Associate Membership is available to Individuals and related organisations at £19 per year. For further details simply contact our Membership Secretary Ken Hirst 01226 711316