Development Plan
In order to keep focused on maintaining the Band at its present standard, improving it where possible and sustaining the Band for the coming five years, a Development Plan is necessary.
These are the four steps taken to design this five-year development plan:
1. Review the previous Development Plan
2. Consult with all interested parties
3. Identify ambitious but realistic goals and strategies to achieve these goals
4. Implement the strategies.
1. Review of Development Plan 2000-2005
A full review of the Development Plan was conducted by the Committee in 2006, and is available. The following is a summary of that review. In 2000, the Committee examined the environment within which the Band then existed, agreed on a strategy by which the Band could be successfully rejuvenated and a Development Plan for 2000 - 2005 drawn up. This Plan identified the following as being in need of attention:
· Financial base Standard of musical training.
· Appointment of a conductor or musical instructor
· Instruments were old Music library in need of replacement
· Uniforms.
Positive Results
The new committee set about addressing these issues. Fundraising was initiated, a Professional Musical Director was appointed, tutors were identified (with the help of the Cork VEC) and members were encouraged to take music lessons, new instruments were purchased and the sheet music library restored and updated, and uniforms were obtained. The musical standard of the Band was improved, membership was enlarged and The Youth Band was founded. Success in various local and National competitions followed. In 2007 the Band moved to new premises in the Parish Centre.
Unfinished Business
However, despite several attempts, no permanent financial base in the form of corporate sponsorship has been identified. Fundraising to keep the Band financially viable is continual, but is not strategically planned. Uniforms that were purchased second-hand in 2001 are in need of replacement. Although new premises were established in 2007, this room is currently slightly small and will limit future expansion of the Band. The need for a purpose built bandroom of adequate size is still a reality. Currently there are two Bands and the need for maintenance of members and recruitment of new members is a reality. These, in addition to others identified through the consultative process, are the issues that need to be addressed by the new Development Plan.
2. Consultative Process
Consultations with the key stakeholders (listed) have occurred, to identify areas needing development, and areas of opportunity for the future.
· Members
· Committee
· Musical Director
· Teachers
A secondary purpose of this process is to develop a sense of ownership of the development plan among these groups, and stimulate them to contribute further to the process. Discussions with these groups, combined with the findings of the review of the 2000-2005 development Plan have helped to identify a appropriate strategy for the future, outlined next.
3. Ambitious but Realistic Goals
Band Size and Shape
The Goal:
Primarily, to fill all sections in both Youth and Senior Concert Band. Critically, to maintain a relative balance in size between sections.
The Strategy:
Taking a realistic view of our likely performance venues ( FCYC, Fermoy churches, parks and street locations), and transport considerations ( one-coach capacity), a maximum size of 45 members is favoured : 8 flute 10 clars 3 saxes 2 trumpets 6 cornets 4 F horns 2 Euphoniums 4 trombones 2 basses 4 percussion. Given that two bands are involved, this provided opportunity for 90 playing members. As of 06 Feb 2008, membership stands at 78 (including beginners), so this number is realistic. With a membership of this size, a new, third ensemble could be considered perhaps closer to 2013. This would divide the members into a beginners Training Band, an intermediate Youth Band, and a senior Concert Band.
Musical Standard
The Goal:
To develop the musical ability of beginners and Youth Band members so that they are positively motivated to improve; that they see music as a deeply enjoyable experience and are motivated to tackle more challenging works. That the Youth Band becomes self-reliant for all instruments and performs regularly as a separate band. That the primary focus of selected music is to develop the skills of the Youth Band members, but also satisfies the general public as an audience. The Senior Band will continue to develop musically, as it has done consistently in recent years. The band will broaden its library to present a greater choice of music types to the public. Popular, entertaining items will continue to be featured, and traditional Band items such as popular marches, overtures and classical transcriptions for Wind Band will be expanded. Audience satisfaction will continue to be a key objective of public recitals; equally, our members, who play for their own satisfaction, will continue to be presented with items that stretch them, and will not be afraid to occasionally play music that is new or challenging to the audience.
The Strategy:
Individual development is covered in the section on tuition (below). The bands will from time to time organise in-house workshops and masterclasses with key professional instrumentalists. In comparison to other bands, Fermoy has a modern and growing library. A more proficient Band will tackle more sophisticated arrangements of popular pieces, and will add to the enjoyment of the Band and audience alike. Constant introductions to new music raises the players standard, and adds immeasurably to audience satisfaction. The Band will continue to compete in competitions as a means of raising our standard, and benchmarking ourselves against our friends in other Bands. This caters for the desire of some members to play more challenging pieces, and adds to the library. Public recitals will generally consist of a mix of popular and light classical pieces. More serious occasions, such as competitions, church services, Masses for Deceased members etc. provide an opportunity for more advanced pieces.
Tuition
The Goal:
To provide new trained musicians for the Youth Band; to achieve an instrumental balance in both Bands; to increase the choice of tuition available to members; to raise the standard of musicianship of individual members and the Bands.
The Strategy:
The 2000-2007 development plan set the groundwork for our current success in tuition; we have developed the tuition structure to the extent that we now have a teacher for light brass, one for heavy brass, two for clarinet and sax, one for flute and one for percussion. We have established a good reputation with Co Cork VEC to the extent that they are prepared to provide subsidised tuition on many instruments. Where the VEC has not provided tuition on some instruments, the committee has been proactive in sourcing the best available tutor, and hiring them privately vis. percussion and clarinet. This approach has proved successful, and should continue, perhaps expanding into double-reed instruments (oboe and bassoon) and saxophone. Extra methods of development such as masterclasses, group workshops, and creating small ensembles can be used to supplement regular tuition. The bands attendance at the Evelyn Glennie concert in Killarney was a source of inspiration to some; group trips to similar events should be considered. Currently, from a total playing membership of 78, 67 members take tuition.
Recruitment
The Goal:
The purpose of recruitment is to fill vacancies in both bands.
The Strategy:
As a strategic plan, weak or empty sections should be targeted first to be filled, and then a maintenance level of recruitment should occur, to fill likely vacancies before they arise. Most members will join the youth band at age 12 and leave Senior Band at age 18. Members remaining on into adulthood are the exception rather than the rule, and should not be relied upon to fill sections in the long term. While numbers of woodwind players are growing comfortably, we do need to target certain sections as part of our recruitment. Saxophone (Alto and Tenor), Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion all need new members. Light brass (cornet and horn) is maintaining its number, but will be affected by possible losses at Leaving Cert level over the next 1-3 years.To maximize the benefit of VEC tuition, we must ensure that teachers can fill as many teaching slots as possible in Fermoy with Band members. There is a risk that teaching slots will be filled by non-members, or unused slots moved to other centres. New, planned ways of attracting recruits must be identified: Visit every primary school in a 10-mile radius of Fermoy at least every 3 years to demonstrate instruments or perform; Bring the youth Band or Senior Band to Town School Fetes/open days where possible. Work with music teachers of local secondary schools to create awareness of what we can offer to their pupils. Target adults for recruitment to certain instruments e.g. Tuba Euphonium, Saxes. Target ex-members, immigrants, members parents, or past members of other bands who now live locally. Provide information leaflets on how to join at Band performances.
Accommodation
In 2007, the band moved to its new location in the Parish Centre. This was a major improvement on its previous home, as we now enjoy sole occupancy, with some exceptions. Equipment is now more secure, and tuition has expanded. In the longer term, and bearing the future development of the Band in mind, the new facility is unfortunately not suitable. Renovations to the shape of the room have failed to overcome acoustic problems, and this will not improve as time passes and the Bands develop. As this plan looks to the longer term, we must now decide on the accommodation that will cater for all the Bands needs into the future. The fundamental problem is that the main rehearsal area is considerably too small. Conservatively, the floor space needs to be three times our current size. Additionally, rooms are needed for tuition, storage. Library, toilets etc...
The Goal:
By 2013, have a site secured and plans drawn for the construction of a new Band Centre
The Strategy:
Establish a savings fund for building. A minimum of 20% of normal annual income to be put aside. Organize extra fundraisers to augment this. Identify all possible sites within a 2 mile radius of Fermoy Bridge, and seek the support of private donations to purchase a site.
4. Strategy to Support the delivery of Goals
The Goal:
To have an effective management team that will conduct the day-to-day business of the Band, and deliver on the longer term strategies as presented in this plan.
The Strategy:
As presently constituted, the Committee system will not and cannot deliver most of the goals presented here. Far too much work is being done by far too few people. In fact, there is current evidence of the Band deteriorating in terms of management, as fatigue sets in. without change, the band will not remain at its present standard, but will decline surprisingly quickly. There is no need to be pessimistic; we have immense advantages over where we were in 2000, a solid foundation on which to build for the future. More people MUST get involved in the daily running of the Band. More people means less work for all! With a current membership of 82, the band has a large pool of capable people to draw on.
The Action:
1. The incoming Committee will identify all the various tasks that are currently being done, and place them into logical task groups.
2. The elected Committee will then delegate all task groups to specific people (in sub-committee form) who will be supported by the Committee and band members.
3. Crucially, the committee must monitor progress regularly, and support sub-committees if difficulties arise. Linkages between different task groups will be carefully monitored."
Back to Statements
These are the four steps taken to design this five-year development plan:
1. Review the previous Development Plan
2. Consult with all interested parties
3. Identify ambitious but realistic goals and strategies to achieve these goals
4. Implement the strategies.
1. Review of Development Plan 2000-2005
A full review of the Development Plan was conducted by the Committee in 2006, and is available. The following is a summary of that review. In 2000, the Committee examined the environment within which the Band then existed, agreed on a strategy by which the Band could be successfully rejuvenated and a Development Plan for 2000 - 2005 drawn up. This Plan identified the following as being in need of attention:
· Financial base Standard of musical training.
· Appointment of a conductor or musical instructor
· Instruments were old Music library in need of replacement
· Uniforms.
Positive Results
The new committee set about addressing these issues. Fundraising was initiated, a Professional Musical Director was appointed, tutors were identified (with the help of the Cork VEC) and members were encouraged to take music lessons, new instruments were purchased and the sheet music library restored and updated, and uniforms were obtained. The musical standard of the Band was improved, membership was enlarged and The Youth Band was founded. Success in various local and National competitions followed. In 2007 the Band moved to new premises in the Parish Centre.
Unfinished Business
However, despite several attempts, no permanent financial base in the form of corporate sponsorship has been identified. Fundraising to keep the Band financially viable is continual, but is not strategically planned. Uniforms that were purchased second-hand in 2001 are in need of replacement. Although new premises were established in 2007, this room is currently slightly small and will limit future expansion of the Band. The need for a purpose built bandroom of adequate size is still a reality. Currently there are two Bands and the need for maintenance of members and recruitment of new members is a reality. These, in addition to others identified through the consultative process, are the issues that need to be addressed by the new Development Plan.
2. Consultative Process
Consultations with the key stakeholders (listed) have occurred, to identify areas needing development, and areas of opportunity for the future.
· Members
· Committee
· Musical Director
· Teachers
A secondary purpose of this process is to develop a sense of ownership of the development plan among these groups, and stimulate them to contribute further to the process. Discussions with these groups, combined with the findings of the review of the 2000-2005 development Plan have helped to identify a appropriate strategy for the future, outlined next.
3. Ambitious but Realistic Goals
Band Size and Shape
The Goal:
Primarily, to fill all sections in both Youth and Senior Concert Band. Critically, to maintain a relative balance in size between sections.
The Strategy:
Taking a realistic view of our likely performance venues ( FCYC, Fermoy churches, parks and street locations), and transport considerations ( one-coach capacity), a maximum size of 45 members is favoured : 8 flute 10 clars 3 saxes 2 trumpets 6 cornets 4 F horns 2 Euphoniums 4 trombones 2 basses 4 percussion. Given that two bands are involved, this provided opportunity for 90 playing members. As of 06 Feb 2008, membership stands at 78 (including beginners), so this number is realistic. With a membership of this size, a new, third ensemble could be considered perhaps closer to 2013. This would divide the members into a beginners Training Band, an intermediate Youth Band, and a senior Concert Band.
Musical Standard
The Goal:
To develop the musical ability of beginners and Youth Band members so that they are positively motivated to improve; that they see music as a deeply enjoyable experience and are motivated to tackle more challenging works. That the Youth Band becomes self-reliant for all instruments and performs regularly as a separate band. That the primary focus of selected music is to develop the skills of the Youth Band members, but also satisfies the general public as an audience. The Senior Band will continue to develop musically, as it has done consistently in recent years. The band will broaden its library to present a greater choice of music types to the public. Popular, entertaining items will continue to be featured, and traditional Band items such as popular marches, overtures and classical transcriptions for Wind Band will be expanded. Audience satisfaction will continue to be a key objective of public recitals; equally, our members, who play for their own satisfaction, will continue to be presented with items that stretch them, and will not be afraid to occasionally play music that is new or challenging to the audience.
The Strategy:
Individual development is covered in the section on tuition (below). The bands will from time to time organise in-house workshops and masterclasses with key professional instrumentalists. In comparison to other bands, Fermoy has a modern and growing library. A more proficient Band will tackle more sophisticated arrangements of popular pieces, and will add to the enjoyment of the Band and audience alike. Constant introductions to new music raises the players standard, and adds immeasurably to audience satisfaction. The Band will continue to compete in competitions as a means of raising our standard, and benchmarking ourselves against our friends in other Bands. This caters for the desire of some members to play more challenging pieces, and adds to the library. Public recitals will generally consist of a mix of popular and light classical pieces. More serious occasions, such as competitions, church services, Masses for Deceased members etc. provide an opportunity for more advanced pieces.
Tuition
The Goal:
To provide new trained musicians for the Youth Band; to achieve an instrumental balance in both Bands; to increase the choice of tuition available to members; to raise the standard of musicianship of individual members and the Bands.
The Strategy:
The 2000-2007 development plan set the groundwork for our current success in tuition; we have developed the tuition structure to the extent that we now have a teacher for light brass, one for heavy brass, two for clarinet and sax, one for flute and one for percussion. We have established a good reputation with Co Cork VEC to the extent that they are prepared to provide subsidised tuition on many instruments. Where the VEC has not provided tuition on some instruments, the committee has been proactive in sourcing the best available tutor, and hiring them privately vis. percussion and clarinet. This approach has proved successful, and should continue, perhaps expanding into double-reed instruments (oboe and bassoon) and saxophone. Extra methods of development such as masterclasses, group workshops, and creating small ensembles can be used to supplement regular tuition. The bands attendance at the Evelyn Glennie concert in Killarney was a source of inspiration to some; group trips to similar events should be considered. Currently, from a total playing membership of 78, 67 members take tuition.
Recruitment
The Goal:
The purpose of recruitment is to fill vacancies in both bands.
The Strategy:
As a strategic plan, weak or empty sections should be targeted first to be filled, and then a maintenance level of recruitment should occur, to fill likely vacancies before they arise. Most members will join the youth band at age 12 and leave Senior Band at age 18. Members remaining on into adulthood are the exception rather than the rule, and should not be relied upon to fill sections in the long term. While numbers of woodwind players are growing comfortably, we do need to target certain sections as part of our recruitment. Saxophone (Alto and Tenor), Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion all need new members. Light brass (cornet and horn) is maintaining its number, but will be affected by possible losses at Leaving Cert level over the next 1-3 years.To maximize the benefit of VEC tuition, we must ensure that teachers can fill as many teaching slots as possible in Fermoy with Band members. There is a risk that teaching slots will be filled by non-members, or unused slots moved to other centres. New, planned ways of attracting recruits must be identified: Visit every primary school in a 10-mile radius of Fermoy at least every 3 years to demonstrate instruments or perform; Bring the youth Band or Senior Band to Town School Fetes/open days where possible. Work with music teachers of local secondary schools to create awareness of what we can offer to their pupils. Target adults for recruitment to certain instruments e.g. Tuba Euphonium, Saxes. Target ex-members, immigrants, members parents, or past members of other bands who now live locally. Provide information leaflets on how to join at Band performances.
Accommodation
In 2007, the band moved to its new location in the Parish Centre. This was a major improvement on its previous home, as we now enjoy sole occupancy, with some exceptions. Equipment is now more secure, and tuition has expanded. In the longer term, and bearing the future development of the Band in mind, the new facility is unfortunately not suitable. Renovations to the shape of the room have failed to overcome acoustic problems, and this will not improve as time passes and the Bands develop. As this plan looks to the longer term, we must now decide on the accommodation that will cater for all the Bands needs into the future. The fundamental problem is that the main rehearsal area is considerably too small. Conservatively, the floor space needs to be three times our current size. Additionally, rooms are needed for tuition, storage. Library, toilets etc...
The Goal:
By 2013, have a site secured and plans drawn for the construction of a new Band Centre
The Strategy:
Establish a savings fund for building. A minimum of 20% of normal annual income to be put aside. Organize extra fundraisers to augment this. Identify all possible sites within a 2 mile radius of Fermoy Bridge, and seek the support of private donations to purchase a site.
4. Strategy to Support the delivery of Goals
The Goal:
To have an effective management team that will conduct the day-to-day business of the Band, and deliver on the longer term strategies as presented in this plan.
The Strategy:
As presently constituted, the Committee system will not and cannot deliver most of the goals presented here. Far too much work is being done by far too few people. In fact, there is current evidence of the Band deteriorating in terms of management, as fatigue sets in. without change, the band will not remain at its present standard, but will decline surprisingly quickly. There is no need to be pessimistic; we have immense advantages over where we were in 2000, a solid foundation on which to build for the future. More people MUST get involved in the daily running of the Band. More people means less work for all! With a current membership of 82, the band has a large pool of capable people to draw on.
The Action:
1. The incoming Committee will identify all the various tasks that are currently being done, and place them into logical task groups.
2. The elected Committee will then delegate all task groups to specific people (in sub-committee form) who will be supported by the Committee and band members.
3. Crucially, the committee must monitor progress regularly, and support sub-committees if difficulties arise. Linkages between different task groups will be carefully monitored."
Back to Statements
