The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has been informed that the 2012 Scottish Champions, Co-operative Funeralcare Band, have decided not to take up the invitation to compete at the European Brass Band Championships in Oslo, Norway this year.
The notification followed lengthy discussions between the Co-operative Funeralcare Band’s Executive Committee and its Trustees, drawing them to this difficult but necessary conclusion.
Martin Stack, Band Manager commented: “This has been a very hard decision to make for the band, and many aspects have had to be considered. In addition to the financial element, the band has an extremely busy performance schedule in 2013 and it was felt that attending the European Championships for a second year in a row [having successfully attended Rotterdam in 2012], amidst all its other commitments, was going to put the band and its members under extreme pressure which could be detrimental to the organisation”.
George Burt, President of SBBA commented: “It was with regret to learn of the decision from the Co-operative Funeralcare Band, but they have not taken the decision lightly and have put the interests of their members and the band as an organisation at the forefront of their considerations.
SBBA will now consider alternative nomination options, but it is felt unlikely that a replacement band will be able to secure the funding and organisation time to attend at this late stage.”