Southern bands: this is your time to shine!
Following a successful meeting of the Southern Region via Zoom on Friday 22nd January, the Southern Region is all set for an exciting relaunch!
Speaking after the meeting, BYBA Chairman Neil Wright said he feels there is a "real passion from the Southern region members" to "get the marching band activity strong again in the South". He felt that it was a "brilliant meeting" - especially with new members joining!
"We are standing on the brink of opportunity, " agrees Southern Region Chair Paul Morgan, "where the willingness to work together for the benefit of all performers, whatever background they come from, can start to re-shape the future of the marching band scene across the UK - and for decades in the past, the Southern Region has been an area of excellence in that regard. For too long it has been neglected but I couldn’t be any prouder of being a part of working towards some fantastic performance opportunities, training and collaboration among friends and families that share my love of music and the pageantry arts."
"The British Youth Band Association’s Southern Region will do its best to contribute in a positive way towards those opportunities - not just for our own members but for all. Being a part of BYBA couldn’t be any easier today either with a FREE Bronze level membership so, if anyone is interested then please get in touch and we will be delighted to welcome you, but for now, thank you to everyone who has shown a real interest in bringing this region back to life. "
Highlighting the very real issues of COVID and its implications for music-making, Morgan was keen to ensure this would "not deter us from looking to the future and to nurture, help, guide and support the facilitation of some wonderful opportunities for all", adding "we are all a part of making music. Let's start there!"
His statement concluded by expressing thanks to the BYBA Chairman, his deputy and the rest of the Council for their continued support and forward thinking approaches.
The next step in the Southern Region relaunch is the AGM on the 5th February - make sure you don't miss out!