In recent weeks there have been a number of changes to the guidelines issued by the Government and DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) with respect to permitted activities, and a great deal of confusion about how these affect music-making in general and brass bands in particular. The scaba team all share our…
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Following the news on 9th July that amateur singers, wind and brass musicians should not be playing in groups together now, the scaba team wanted to let you all know that we share your disappointment at this latest development and would encourage all of our member bands to follow the current guidance. Please see the…
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The scaba team have been meeting over Zoom during this time of Lockdown. Our AGM, originally scheduled to take place earlier this month, will now be held online on the evening of Sunday 24th May. The AGM will hear annual reports and elect Executive committee positions. We will also elect a new representative to the…
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Monday 16th March 2020 This evening the UK Government has updated its guidance on COVID-19 and is recommending the avoidance of all non-essential contact. As brass banding and other arts hobbies are non-essential, we would recommend that all brass band rehearsals, public performances and other activities are put on hold until the Government guidance changes….
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We enjoyed a change of date and venue today for our annual Spring contest. Adjudicator Nicholas Garman was treated to committed performances from 14 bands, many of whom will be able to build on his comments and today’s experience their preparations for the Regional qualifying contest in Stevenage in a couple of weeks. Congratulations to…
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Entries have now closed for our Spring contest, top be held at the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts in the Unversity of Sussex near Brighton on 8th March. The draw was done on Sunday 23rd February at The Hawth by Black Dyke’s Brett Baker, ably assisted by scaba Contest Manager Jane Stewart and Janet Blackford….
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Our annual SCYB Residential course will take place at St Catherine’s School in Bramley near Guildford from Monday 6th to Thursday 9th April 2020. The course will be led by guest Musical Director Lee Skipsey, supported by our regular team of tutors and volunteers. Lee Skipsey has performed as a percussionist all over the world….
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It is with deep regret that I share the news that our Vice President and dear friend Ron Gray passed away peacefully in hospital last night, 14th January. Ron first became interested in the world of Brass Banding during his National Service in the RAF in 1950, when he joined the station band in what…
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The Southern Counties Youth Band’s annual Open/family rehearsal is on Monday 30th December, and you are all invited to come and join us to blow away the Christmas cobwebs. This is an ideal opportunity to meet the SCYB members and team, other banders from your area and play some different music, so bring your instruments,…
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The Hawth Theatre in Crawley welcomed 10 bands to scaba’s annual Autumn contest last Sunday, 29th September. The day started with the B section for Third, Fourth, Youth Section and Ungraded Bands. Adjudicator Tom Hutchinson was treated to a fantastic selection of pieces and thanked all the bands for their high standard and enjoyable performances….
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