Understand
Jersey Scout Band launches campaign to increase membership numbers
Overview
The Jersey Scout Band has launched an island-wide publicity campaign to recruit new players aged eight and above following a decline in membership. Leaders attribute the drop to increased leisure options, academic pressures, and members moving away for university or advanced musical careers. Operating since 1970, the band does not require new recruits to be Scouts or Girl Guides.
Key points
- The Jersey Scout Band has launched a recruitment campaign to tackle falling membership numbers.
- A recent training night at Kenneth Faucon Memorial Hall in St Saviour attracted 12 players, compared to around double that number previously.
- New members do not need to be part of the Scout or Girl Guide movements to join and learn an instrument.
- Band leaders note that young people face more competition from other sports, leisure activities, and school pressures than in past generations.
- Membership is also affected when skilled players move on to university, the Royal Marines, or other musical groups.