BYBA members embrace open age with a new class
At the 33rd BYBA Annual General Meeting, held on 19 th November 2006, the membership unanimously voted in favour of accepting open age units into Competition for the 2007 season, and have introduced a new class called the BYBA Associates Class.
Any unit that elects to march in excess of the rule for overage members (up to 3 currently) marching within the competitive season will now have a new class in which to showcase their talents within the British Youth Band Association. Competitions will run both the BYBA Division I and the BYBA Associates Class side by side on show days, however, results for each of these classes will be announced separately and recognized individually for awards.
It is felt that this method will provide the best possible experience for all marching members and spectators alike, and BYBA welcomes all open age Competitors both here and abroad.
Tony Patrick, BYBA Chairman comments "It has been a very exciting time here in the UK within the marching band environment, and by ensuring that as an organisation that we are 'inclusive' rather than 'exclusive' we have not only provided the more senior members who would still like to continue doing the thing they know and love so much an outlet, but we have also, by introducing a separate class for them, protected the very important Youth aspect of the Association."
"This is very key to me, and I know to so many of you who have debated this subject matter over the past 6 months or so. I genuinely believe that all of our members and spectators are in for a real treat during the 2007 season and beyond as a result of welcoming into membership all types of Marching Unit regardless of age, and I wish everyone the very best of success for the 2007 season and beyond", the BYBA Chairman said.
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