AoBBA Launch Development Programme

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) have announced the launch of its Development Programme, replacing its long-established trainee scheme.
The change in the branding of the programme is a reflection of the quality of members undertaking the programme; highly skilled and experienced musicians in their own right often looking for a platform to develop their adjudication experience. This sits alongside AoBBA’s inaugural Adjudicator Experience Day at the Section 1-4 National Finals in Cheltenham in September 2024; a stepping stone for those interested in finding out more about adjudication and what the Development Programme entails, with more Experience Days planned for 2025.
Launched in 2016, the trainee scheme was designed to allow trainee adjudicators time and support in order to develop a comprehensive set of skills alongside experienced mentors. Whilst the structure of the scheme will remain in place, members on the scheme will now be Development Members, progressing to Full Members on completion of the programme.
Vice Chair and Head of the Development Programme, Martin Heartfield commented: “As an association we have been delighted with the number and quality of applications for our trainee programme as one pathway to full membership. With the focus on further developing the programme of CPD for all adjudicators, the pathway will be renamed the ‘Development Programme’ from 2025. This allows the focus to be about developing and encouraging experienced musicians on their journey to becoming the next generation of adjudicators”