Prestigious awards for NYBBS youngsters

Members of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland (NYBBS) Reserve Band have been accredited with prestigious Bronze Arts Awards, presented at the recent Scottish Youth Festival at Perth Concert Hall.

The 2018 NYBBS Reserve Baand

The awards were presented to 40 members of the NYBBS Reserves by Sarah Longfield, Producer and Director of See Think Make, a social enterprise that develops and supports Arts Awards in Scotland, in conjunction with Trinity College London.

The Bronze Arts Awards, a Level 1 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), is open to young people aged 11 to 25 and is awarded upon attainment of certain criteria connected to their chosen art form.

Earlier this year, 59 members of the NYBBS Children’s Band also achieved Arts Award Discovers – an introductory award recognising participation in arts activities - making NYBBS the most prolific music focused Arts Award centre in Scotland.

Sarah Longfield, Producer at See Think Make, commented: “As the development, support and training agency for Scotland, we at See Think Make get to spend time with some wonderful creative learning project and NYBBS is no exception. In fact, for an organisation that is constructed around the final concert or performance, it is truly brilliant that they are now committed to supporting their young band members to be accredited for the journey to reach the end goal. The approach and vision of John and Carrie Boax and the other NYBBS organisers has been an inspiration throughout.”

Sarah continued: “The focus on career pathways, leadership and developing reflective practice will not only support the young peoples’ musical development, but also contribute towards their life skills in general. We are delighted we were able to support the beginning of this journey and look forward to building on the recent successes in 2019.”

Delighted at the accreditation of the significant awards, SBBA President Carrie Boax commented: “Firstly, we are truly indebted to Sarah Longfield, and our Strategic Adviser Paul Wood, for enabling the NYBBS family access to the Awards last summer. It has long been my opinion that the amazing journey our young people experience on the summer course deserves accreditation! All in all, I have been delighted with the progress thus far and look forward to even more meaningful collaboration between the SBBA and Trinity in the future - thanks again to all!”