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Bournemouth Concert Brass

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Patron's Scheme

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Bournemouth Concert Brass
After performing at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

The Cost of Success

Ken Taken, Band Chairman, explains the situation:

"Bournemouth Concert Brass relies on its member's subscriptions and on the income it generates from concerts and the sale of CDs. 

We are occasionally asked why we need any income at all! 

As just one example, we typically spend £3000 p.a. on coach and van hire. Other major costs are the fees of conductors, the purchase of music and the hire of rehearsal premises.

In addition to running costs, we maintain a full set of instruments, which need to be repaired and eventually replaced from time to time. Instrument prices vary from cornets at about £1700 each to tubas at about £12,000 each! The total value of the brass and percussion instruments is approximately £100,000.

Within the expected yearly finance plan, we are able to balance our books, but our recent competition successes have meant digging deep into our reserves. 

For instance, the band attended the National Brass Band Championships Finals in Harrogate in 2004 as West of England champion band in the 1st Section. In October 2005 we made the corresponding trip to the Royal Albert Hall as West of England champions in the Championship Section; and in July 2006 were invited to compete in the inaugural English Championships at the Lowry Centre in Manchester, playing alongside Brighouse and Rastrick; and Grimethorpe Colliery Bands.

These prestigious invitations resulted in extraordinary accommodation, travel and Professional Director costs.

It is for these reasons that, four years ago, we set up the Patron's Scheme and I have asked Bill Willis to manage and develop the scheme further in the future and to provide our Patrons better value for money.

Furthermore, because our fine band exemplifies quality and dedication with a professional image (both on and off the stage); and we reach the ears and eyes of many thousands of people each year, we know that we are well placed to secure a reciprocal sponsorship arrangement with local businesses. During 2008 we will be developing these ideas. If any reader feels they know of an interested organisation, then please contact me personally through the Contacts Page"

Thank You

Ken Taken
Chairman

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