The UniBrass Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of a number of new trustees to the board, after a competitive application process. The Foundation exists to widen participation and promote opportunities for brass band playing at University, through a number of projects including the UniBrass Contest, Band Camp, outreach, and an Artists in Association scheme. The new trustees bring a range of crucial skills and experience to help the charity continue in its work.
Peter Baumann is a multi-disciplinary creative based in North Yorkshire. Having studied at the University of York, he now combines work as a digital producer, musician, and composer. As well as a passion for raising awareness, resilience and access in arts, Peter brings to the board extensive experience in finance and governance as an elected town councillor.
Katherine Slater works in the student records team at Keele University, having previously been the conductor of their brass band. Originally an oboist and vocalist, she now plays percussion with Rode Hall Silver Band and has a continued passion for amateur dramatics and close harmony singing.
Originally from Oxford, Sebastian Hamilton is a cornet-playing engineer based in Portsmouth. During their time at the University of Warwick, Sebastian attended all of the UniBrass contests and is passionate about being part of the continuation and expansion of UniBrass’s reach.
Sam Kail-Dyke is a Music student at the University of Bristol and plays an active part in music making across the city. He is the former conductor of the university’s brass band as well as current musical director for the City of Bristol Brass Band’s learner band. Prior to attending university Sam also worked as the marketing and communications manager for a large Multi-Academy Trust. As a trustee he is excited to be a part of growing and developing UniBrass’ support of the university brass band movement.
Michelle Edmands began playing cornet as a child and studied Music at the University of Exeter before moving to London to train as an accountant. After taking a break from performing to focus on her career and family, she has now returned to brass banding and is keen to use her experience to support the Foundation to continue to achieve its aims.
James Everitt is a PhD student in Maths at the University of Warwick, having completed an MMath at Durham University. He is a cornet player, who was introduced to brass bands at the age of seven by the Wigan Music Service. James served as the chair of the contest organising committee for the 2023 UniBrass contest at Warwick University and looks forward to continuing his work with the Foundation as a trustee.
As this new group of trustees begin their term, the UniBrass Foundation would like to express their thanks to outgoing trustees Brett Baker, Ewan Saunders, Abi Groocock, Megan Bousfield, and Andy Straiton, for their dedication and work as part of the Foundation. Thomas Hicken, Andy Baldacchino, Sam Hartharn-Evans and Voirrey Baker continue to serve on the board.
Since their appointment, the whole trustee team has already overseen another successful UniBrass contest and are excitedly working towards a number further events, including the return of the UniBrass Band Camp in August and, of course, the next contest at Warwick University in February 2024.