The UniBrass Foundation is excited to announce that they have appointed Rath Artist, General Manager of the Geneva Group and Solo Trombone at Black Dyke Band, Brett Baker, to the board of trustees. After a very successful 10th contest in February, UniBrass is going from strength to strength and is excited to welcome Brett as an experienced voice on the team.
Brett’s experience as a world-renowned soloist, adjudicator and recording artist will be instrumental to developing and implementing the aims of the UniBrass Foundation beyond the contest. Andy Straiton, UniBrass Foundation Chair, says ‘Having Brett on the team is a real asset. With him working alongside our other new trustees, Nigel, Abi and Andy, we now have a full team of passionate individuals with a range of backgrounds. We are therefore able to develop our projects and expand in ways that have not been possible until now.’
During this difficult time, UniBrass is looking forward to putting on a great contest in Sheffield for 2021 and aiming to build a bigger presence within the banding community. Upon joining the board Brett says, ‘I have been really impressed by the growth and enthusiasm of the UniBrass family. I am happy to give my assistance where necessary but also learn from their new approach. I see it as a great opportunity for bands, and the band movement, to learn from their new look at contesting and fresh way to collaborate and engage with a wider music public.”
The Foundation is made up of a board of trustees devoted to widening participation and promoting opportunities for brass playing at University as well as supporting the UniBrass Contest Organising Committee. They aim to bridge the gap between youth and adult banding. With the new team members, including Brett, the capacity to develop work has increased and the range of expertise, coming from various arts organisations and leadership within the banding community, has put UniBrass in a positive place to create change within the brass banding world.
