Big News From Federation Of Youth Marching Band Organizations
The Federation of Youth Marching Band Organizations, of which BYBA is an active member, has announced that it is moving to a new office address. This move is the first action of a two year development programme funded by the John Ellerman Foundation. Honorary Director of the Federation Jim Vaughan explains “ We approached Trustees of the John Ellerman Foundation and they were impressed with our past success and future plans in support of the whole activity.” The Federation remains a totally voluntary organization fully funded by grants, and the office, within a new youth and community building, is at minimal cost. Jim adds “ What this gives us is a formal office address, support services, meeting and storage facilities”
The new address is posted on the Federation’s web site which is also undergoing a review.
Following our 2008 Conference, the Federation has begun to act on suggestions made by the discussion groups. For example, in response to a request for visual material to use at presentations such as school assemblies, a four minute promotional DVD will shortly be available. Superimposed on footage of several bands’ performances, non uniformed members of Trinity School Show Band talk about why they enjoy being in a marching band. Details are on the Federation’s web site.
In late May bands will receive a survey form for completion and return in a FREEPOST envelope. This will enable the Federation to update band contact details maintaining the most extensive list of Youth Marching Units in the UK. It will also provide a statistical analysis of the whole activity. These figures and the other basic information requested will be very important as we all strive to gain support. It’s another administrative task, but bandmasters are asked to do their best to return the completed document by June 30th. This strategic survey is funded by the John Ellerman Foundation as they understand the value of accurate information and how it can boost our chances of future support
July is once more National Marching Youth Music Month. The new logo can be downloaded from the Federation web site for local publicity material and for all member organization publications. Bands will gain most from using the national month to raise their local profiles, and the Federation will again strive to achieve national media attention. To support this we need to have a list of what bands are doing in July. It might be just a list of bookings or competitions that bands will take part in, or maybe more pro-active events such as a special recruitment ‘open rehearsal’. The first thing a national reporter will ask is ‘what is happening!’ …. And we need to have the answers!
A newsletter of this and more Federation information will be sent with survey forms to all bands in late May. Bandmasters are asked to copy the newsletter and circulate to as many members, leaders and supporters and possible.
