1.      BAS is accountable to its membership - the bands - through individual Band Leaders, all of whom make up the Management Committee. Although the Association attempts to involve the wider steel pan community, it has no responsibility to parents and supporters. It should therefore not be assumed the Association will post its decisions on this or any subject on www.panpodium.com or other website.

 

2.      The Band Leaders from Comets, Croydon, CSI and Ebony were all present at the meeting. A way forward, that requires further investigation, was agreed by three of the bands. The outcome will be reported to BAS members.

 

3.      The Junior Panorama is NOT organised by BAS. The Association's involvement is dealing with registrations, and providing financial contributions towards the bands' transportation costs and for refreshments for the young musicians performing at this event. Our partners to this event host the competition – apply for licences, deal with health and safety issues, promote the event, secure funding, organise the trophies and medals, and raise sponsorship to cover prize monies. BAS has discussed the issues raised with our partners with a view to improving things in future years. Any changes will be reported to BAS members at meetings and advised to competing bands via the registration form for this event.

 

4.      BAS' membership continues to grow. The Association has members throughout the UK and as far afield as Trinidad. As far as we are able to determine, no band has cancelled or withdrawn from membership because they are unhappy with the way in which the organisation. BAS was set up in 1992.

 

5.      Suggestions that the Junior Panorama will 'die a death' are far from correct. In actual fact, the number of bands participating in this event has doubled in recent years and there continues to be growing interest from junior and school bands who are working towards achieving the required standard for competition.

 

No doubt there will be continuing discussion and debate about this matter – none of which will do anything to restore harmony between individuals, bands and the Association. Perhaps now is the time to let Band Leaders do their job and represent their members professionally and in the correct forum? They are, without exception, more than adequately equipped to do this and to report back to their players and supporters.