BYBA Council held another meeting via Zoom on Thursday 2nd September. The main focus for this meeting was the Band is Back! event in September, but there were other items on the agenda as well.
Band Is Back!
The first, and arguably largest, item of business was the Band is Back! event on the 12th September. Held at Saffron Lane Athletics Stadium (Leicester), the event should be set to be a great day!
The first discussion was centered around the bands on the day. It was discussed, and agreed, that a massed-band retreat would be inserted into the schedule. It was decided that this should go after the last band performs but before the longest note and fastest drummer competitions.
Several Council members also shared that they had been able to book extra attractions for the day. As well as the 7 performing bands, spectators will now be treated to a bouncy castle, ice cream van, on-site catering, hook-a-duck, and candyfloss!
A decision was also made about band organisation for the day. Bands will be required to set up their equipment in an allocated space around the running track prior to 11 o'clock. They will be permitted to warm up as they like prior to this time, but should not require their instruments after this until their performance slot. When on their way to perform, bands will form up on the left of the stand.
The stadium has been booked for a relatively low cost (£345), so the Council also discussed the possibilities of using this venue for future shows.
Autumn Band Series
The next item on the agenda was the Autumn Band Series - a joint performance venture by BYBA, the Traditional Youth Marching Bands Association (TYMBA), and the Indoor Music Games.
It was noted that uptake for the Southern show on the 31st October has been much more positive than that of the Northern/Midlands shows, and agreed that this will most likely be down to bands not knowing where they will be performing. Unfortunately, finding venues in the North and Midlands is proving trickier than thought - previous BYBA Chairman Paul Cartwright has been working with current Chairman Neil Wright and Contesting Chair Clive Burd to try and track down suitable venues, but the one suitable venue found so far would cost in excess of £3000!
There is a possibility that the Northern/Midlands events will be cancelled, leaving just the Southern event to go ahead. This event will definitely run as it is also serving as the Championships for the Nautical Training Corps bands. Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement within the next few weeks.
AGM
It is approaching that time again!
Council discussed the arrangements for the AGM, weighing up the pros and cons of online vs in person. Secretary Andrew Horton highlighted that the Charities Commission recommend in person AGMs, but it was decided that the risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially over the winter, justified another AGM via Zoom.
The planned date for the AGM is the third Sunday in January, but please bear in mind that this is to be confirmed!