scaba has been the body that has looked out for and after amateur brass bands in Southern England since 1893. Any amateur brass band in the counties of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, London Boroughs, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire are eligible for membership.

The objects of the Association are to raise the musical standards, foster the spirit of good fellowship amongst members, to undertake the organisation or supervision of brass band contests in the area and to obtain for member bands all possible advantages and privileges consequent upon an organised combination

It has always been a very active Association that latterly has in excess of fifty bands in membership.

A year in the life of scaba commences with the Solo, Quartet and Ensemble Contest in February, this is followed usually in April (a little dependent on Easter) by the Spring Contest with the Entertainment Contest in May. The final contest of the year, the Autumn Contest, has, since 1964, been held at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone in October. The year is rounded off in November with a Workshop. These are on a rotating basis through the various band instruments.