Following a recruitment drive in summer 2021, cornetist Verity Flood has been selected as the first ever Brass for Africa (BfA) Intern. She now needs your support to make the programme a reality.
What is now hoped to become an annual opportunity, the Intern position will strengthen the BfA programme on the ground in Uganda, as well as provide an outstanding career development opportunity for a recently graduated musician. The role is supported by partners Royal Northern College of Music and Brass Bands England.
As part of the programme, the successful applicant also has a responsibility to contribute towards fundraising for the position. With a further £1,500 still needed to meet the target, Verity will be launching a crowdfunding campaign this Saturday 2 October at the finals of the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall, where she will have a stand in the foyer area.
As well as making a simple donation, the crowdfunder offers an option to enter a £10 raffle where a variety of rewards will be available in exchange for donations. Donors will be in the running to win a bumper pack of goodies that have been donated from across the brass banding world. These include lessons with superstars, tickets to some of the best live brass band events, memberships, and more.
Verity said about the project: “The funds raised will be used through my work with Brass for Africa to empower and improve the lives of extremely disadvantaged young people through music.
My role will be to bring the skills I have as a brass tutor to develop the project taking place in Uganda and support the teachers’ working on them. Together, we will provide music education, performance opportunities, and support the development of life skills for those taking part. We’ll be working with street children, young people from impoverished communities, and youngsters from children’s homes and rehabilitation centres.”
Brass for Africa Founder and Director Jim Trott commented: “Verity is both eager and determined to share her skills and experience and is equally mindful of the enormous opportunity this project will provide to establish new friendships and partners for herself, RNCM and Brass Bands England, whilst leaving a brass playing legacy in Uganda.”
Jim continued: “We are confident that Verity’s work with Brass for Africa will have a massive impact. The funding for the Intern position comes from the three partner organisations and also from the Intern themselves. As the Intern, raising funds not only increases the personal impact made but gives the opportunity for friends, family and well-wishers to support this vital and exciting position too.”
To support Verity’s Crowdfunder please go to crowdfunder.co.uk/veritybfa.
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