We are proud that UYBB is entirely student-run. From the choice of repertoire to advertising our concerts, and from conducting the band to managing our funds, every job that keeps the band running is done by students, for students. Each year the band elects a committee to run the band.
Feel free to speak to anyone on the committee if you have any questions about the band, requests for particular pieces of music to play or just generally to chat.
CHAIRPERSON
Rob Walker (he/him)
Instrument: Soprano Cornet
Course: 3rd year Electronic Engineering
The Chair provides leadership of the band, heading up the committee and being the primary representative of the band both within and beyond the university. The duties of ‘Band Manager’ for the Unibrass contest fall within the Chair’s role. They ensure UYBB continues to be a place where everyone can enjoy making music in an inclusive environment.
CONDUCTOR AND SECRETARY
Abbie Rongong (they/them)
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Course: PGCE Physics
The conductor leads the band in rehearsals, concerts, and contests. In collaboration with the Chair, they set the musical direction of the band and select repertoire.
The Secretary manages the administration of the band. They are responsible for maintaining good communication between the committee and band members, primarily through the weekly email newsletter. They also monitor the email inbox, manage room bookings, and handle the administration of committee meetings and elections.
TREASURER
Michael Ballentyne (he/him)
Instrument: Cornet
Course: 2nd year History
The Treasurer looks after the band funds. This includes purchasing, keeping track of all income and expenditure, and sourcing funding. They are also responsible for ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier for any member to fully engage with the band.
LIBRARIAN
Amy Hutchinson (She/her)
Instrument: Trombone
Course: 2nd year Chemistry
The Librarian manages the band’s extensive music collection, including reprographics and digitisation processes to ensure that everyone has the correct part in rehearsal and access to copies for personal practice.
SOCIAL SECRETARIES
Olivia Nattrass (she/her)
Instrument: Cornet
Course: 4th year Maths
Lizzy Morritt (she/her)
Instrument: Cornet
Course: Haematology and Biomedical Science PHD (2nd year)
The Social Secretaries are the people who organise social events throughout the year, from the big annual events such as Butlins down to the smaller film and game nights. This includes events that traditionally happen every year and great new activities they come up with.
PRESS AND PUBLICITY OFFICER
Juniper Dunn (she/her)
Instrument: Cornet
Course: 2nd year physics
The Press and Publicity Officer manages the band’s advertising and public image. They are responsible for our social media presence as well as physical advertising for our concerts and other events.
WELLBEING OFFICER
Hannah Costello (they/them)
Instrument: Tenor Horn
Course: 2nd year physics
The Wellbeing Officer is there to ensure that the band is enjoyable and safe for all, making sure that all members feel included and supporting members to participate fully. They are an approachable friendly face at rehearsals and socials for members to raise any issues or concerns to.
WEBMASTER
Ryan Wakefield (he/him)
Instrument: Euphonium
Course: 4th year Philosophy
The role of the Webmaster is to update and maintain the band website, including posting regular updates to the news, galleries and contest results pages. They also assist the Press and Publicity officer in managing the band’s social media presence.
ORDINARY MEMBER
Carys Hoile (she/her)
Instrument: Cornet
Course: 2nd year Computer Science
The Ordinary Member is a vital additional voice in committee meetings. They are also in charge of specific tasks such as the ordering of merch and managing front-of-house arrangements for concerts.