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Brassed off musicians want funds Brassed off musicians want funds
(about 4 hours later)
Brass band members have been lobbying Culture Minister Margaret Hodge over what they see as inadequate funding.Brass band members have been lobbying Culture Minister Margaret Hodge over what they see as inadequate funding.
The musicians hope the government will provide more cash, ensuring the survival of such bands.The musicians hope the government will provide more cash, ensuring the survival of such bands.
Barnsley East and Mexborough MP, Jeff Ennis claims that for every £1 given to brass bands, opera receives £1,113.Barnsley East and Mexborough MP, Jeff Ennis claims that for every £1 given to brass bands, opera receives £1,113.
The Arts Council, which awarded more than £187,000 to brass bands last year, said it was "keen to further develop" its support.The Arts Council, which awarded more than £187,000 to brass bands last year, said it was "keen to further develop" its support.
Mr Ennis, who hails from Grimethorpe, home of the famous colliery brass band named after the town, claims the bands are underfunded when compared to other branches of the arts.Mr Ennis, who hails from Grimethorpe, home of the famous colliery brass band named after the town, claims the bands are underfunded when compared to other branches of the arts.
These bands help to meet a lot of government targets like social cohesion and I think they are undervalued and underappreciated Jeff Ennis MPThese bands help to meet a lot of government targets like social cohesion and I think they are undervalued and underappreciated Jeff Ennis MP
In the last five years, grants body, Arts Council England has given £987,000 to brass bands.In the last five years, grants body, Arts Council England has given £987,000 to brass bands.
During the same period, funding for opera totalled nearly £160m. In addition, the Royal Opera House was given more than £116m to promote ballet and opera.During the same period, funding for opera totalled nearly £160m. In addition, the Royal Opera House was given more than £116m to promote ballet and opera.
Mr Ennis told the BBC News website: "The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness of the lack of funding and show the minister what the situation is like.Mr Ennis told the BBC News website: "The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness of the lack of funding and show the minister what the situation is like.
"These bands help to meet a lot of government targets like social cohesion and I think they are undervalued and underappreciated."These bands help to meet a lot of government targets like social cohesion and I think they are undervalued and underappreciated.
Expensive instrumentsExpensive instruments
Peter Bray, secretary of Newport Borough Brass Band, joined the delegation at Westminster. John Bray, secretary of Newport Borough Brass Band, joined the delegation at Westminster.
"It's not fair but it is true. Brass bands do not receive enough funding, especially when compared with opera and ballet Peter Bray, Newport Borough Brass Band"It's not fair but it is true. Brass bands do not receive enough funding, especially when compared with opera and ballet Peter Bray, Newport Borough Brass Band
"The delegates with me today are from all over the country including Yorkshire, Ascot and South Wales which shows the extent to which brass bands form an important part of British heritage," he said."The delegates with me today are from all over the country including Yorkshire, Ascot and South Wales which shows the extent to which brass bands form an important part of British heritage," he said.
"I got involved about six-and-a-half-years ago after my son and daughter became members of the band."I got involved about six-and-a-half-years ago after my son and daughter became members of the band.
"It's not fair but it is true. Brass bands do not receive enough funding, especially when compared with opera and ballet."It's not fair but it is true. Brass bands do not receive enough funding, especially when compared with opera and ballet.
"We need more money for the youth bands and for conductor training. The instruments are expensive and the bands provide these and tuition too. Brass bands are still popular and do a lot for society. It is an activity open to all.""We need more money for the youth bands and for conductor training. The instruments are expensive and the bands provide these and tuition too. Brass bands are still popular and do a lot for society. It is an activity open to all."
"I don't know for certain but those working in arts associated with the upper echelons of society appear to receive much more funding than brass bands.""I don't know for certain but those working in arts associated with the upper echelons of society appear to receive much more funding than brass bands."
A spokeswoman from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Funding decisions for individual companies are strictly a matter for the Arts Council for England.A spokeswoman from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Funding decisions for individual companies are strictly a matter for the Arts Council for England.
"However, we have enormous admiration for brass bands and the musical heritage they represent.""However, we have enormous admiration for brass bands and the musical heritage they represent."
In a statement, Arts Council England said: "In 2006/7 we awarded more than £187,000 of lottery money directly to bands in England through our Grants for the Arts scheme, including £25,000 in Yorkshire."In a statement, Arts Council England said: "In 2006/7 we awarded more than £187,000 of lottery money directly to bands in England through our Grants for the Arts scheme, including £25,000 in Yorkshire."