4barsrest Award for SBBA
4BR itself makes just one award chosen by the 4BR team, and that is the '4BR Special Award', which is given to the person or organisation that we believe has enhanced the movement with distinction in the past year or more.
This year we have awarded it to the Scottish Brass Band Association for their continued innovative and inventive approach to promoting all aspects of brass banding.
n 2010 the 4BR Special Award goes to an organisation that continues to lead the way forward in the new Millennium - the Scottish Brass Band Association.
Not for the first time, and not for the last, the Scots are leading the way in UK banding.
And their hard earned reputation for innovation and inventiveness was once more on display in 2010.
Long term future
From the ongoing work led by their inspirational Development Officer Alan Edmond, to the hosting of their first Conductor's Course in Perth, the commissioning of a major new work from one of the UK's leading young composer's for their flagship contest, the ground breaking use of open adjudication and their organisation of the most vibrant youth championship anywhere in the banding world, they grasped immediate opportunities as well as planning for the long term future.
No wonder the Scottish Culture Minister took the opportunity to make a significant political announcement concerning arts and music funding at the Scottish Youth Championship in Perth in November. Hard-bitten politicians recognise a good thing when they see it.
It told you everything you needed to now just how far the Scottish Brass Association has progressed since the turn of the Millennium.
Authority
At that time SBBA recognised that it had to change if it was to survive, let alone flourish, in the 21st century. The blueprints were written and discussed, but whereas other organisations procrastinated on well meaning ideas, the Scots acted - and acted quickly, with authority.
The seed corn in youth development was sown throughout the country - and whilst some has fallen on barren ground, the vast majority, helped by an amazing legion of hard working conductor's and teacher's, has blossomed.
It was there for all to see at Perth - from the 19 ensembles who performed in the Novice Section to the brilliant Senior duo of West Lothian and Carnoustie - Scotland is now the powerhouse of youth banding in the UK - and most probably Europe.
Amazing success
The Scottish Youth Championships has become an amazing success story - bursting at the seams with young players all revelling in the opportunity to enjoy brass playing. SBBA has been deliberately liberal and freethinking with rules and registration, leaving behind prescription and encouraging participation.
Now they have the most welcome of headaches - how to accommodate even more youngsters who wish to enjoy playing in a brass band.
SBBA deserves immense credit for the way in which they now organise, not just their flagship event, but also the way in which they support and encourage events the length and breadth of their country.
The Scottish Solo Championships are growing year on year, whilst the first Conductor's Course in Perth was a remarkable weekend of superbly organised enthusiasm and encouragement.
Pride
In 2014 the European Championships will be hosted in Perth - and you can well imagine just how successful they will be thanks to the commitment not just of the SNBBA Executive members, but the whole host of volunteers and inspired musicians that now take an immense pride in the work their Association is undertaking.
From top to bottom, SBBA has shown just what can be achieved when forward thinking individuals come together and work for the common good of the hobby they all love and cherish.
They thoroughly deserve the 4BR Special Award.
Nominations for other catagories looking for your votes.
Best Newcomer
Ross Knight
Catch this young man if you can before he becomes one of the most sought after orchestral tuba players around.
Won all three categories of the Scottish Solo Championships and performed with a degree of remarkable maturity each time we heard him throughout the year.
When you get hard nosed Brighouse players raving about him, you know you have heard a real performer in the making.
Lower Section /Youth Band of the year
Carnoustie & District Youth Band
Perhaps the best youth band in the world? If their record of late is anything to go by, they would take some beating that's for certain.
In 2010 they became Premier Section Scottish Youth and Advanced Section National Youth Champions, under the direction of Michael Robertson.
They were stunning all season - a mix of extremely talented young performers led by a MD of considerable skill and musicality.
Test Piece of the year
'...and when the river told...'
Simon Dobson
Scottish Open Championship
What an innovative and inventive piece of writing this was - from swirling bagpipes to an infinity series of changing rhythmic structures, opaque lyricism to stunning red blooded fury.
All based on a Germanic take on Indian inspired spiritual enlightenment; it was a fantastic composition from a fantastic composer for brass.
The bands loved it, the players enjoyed the challenges it posed, and the audience sta back and lapped it up. You can't ask for anything more than that.
voting at www.4barsrest.com
You have up until 12.00pm on the 31st December to register your votes, and the results will be posted on the 4BR site on New Year's Day.
