August has been very busy for me, with superb collaborations, positive action and progressive thinking in abundance. Here are some highlights:
A visit to York included a planning meeting with Brassed On, a team who have brought a brass arts festival to York for the last 5 years. I also met NYMAZ, an arts development organisation who "Make Music Happen" in North Yorkshire.
We have a burgeoning relationship with fellow Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, Barnsley Civic Theatre- now also the new home of Barnsley Music Hub. A tour of the spaces available was fascinating - old and new architecture and design in concert.
A fascinating project between Hammonds Saltaire and a composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist with an Indian influence is progressing nicely, kicked of by a visit to the Hammonds Saltaire band room.
Last Friday included a trip down the M1 to the Hathern band room, to lead a discussion with the Leicestershire Brass Band Association, looking at their future development and funding to match. An Arts Council Grants for the Arts may be just the ticket.
This week began with a visit to the forward-thinking Northern Regional Brass Band Trust at the home of their new partner - Beamish Museum - watch this space and the Brass Bands England website for more details on this tremendously exciting partnership.
A quieter couple of weeks follow, as I help develop projects - more news as it happens!