The Geneva Foundation
Led by Chairman Dr Frank Renton in collaboration with CEO of Geneva Instruments Vincent Eckerman it is our independent arm set up in response to the devastating impact of the Global Covid 19 Pandemic.
Geneva Foundations primary focus today is to support brass ensemble playing in recruiting and tutoring the next generation of brass musicians to maintain our rich heritage of UK Brass Banding which has been historically so successful in removing socioeconomic barriers and in turn producing some of the worlds finest Brass musicians.
We actively support Black Dyke the most famous brass band in the whole world, but our influence goes far beyond that, Geneva are the principal Sponsors of the European Brass Band Championships, which brings together the champion bands of just about every country in Europe.
We have Geneva Ambassadors in UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia and North America, emerging young musicians who find that playing our instruments opens the road to them being able to fulfil their true potential, and are happy to talk to others about their musical journey and try out Geneva Instruments under our TBYB scheme.
Dr Frank Renton has designed a stepped series of courses “Making Your Band Better”. Playing in a brass band is supposed to be fun as is any amateur pastime but to be fun it has to be progressive and informative. No amateur sports person wants to stay at the same standard for ever the enjoyment is derived from improvement. The same has to be true about playing in a Brass Band. Please see the stepped course options below.
With immediate and long-term operational funding being secured by Geneva Instruments, Geneva Foundation are proud in the way we are able to invest globally back into individual players and the wider brass band movement.
Director of Music, Prof. Nicholas Childs
Commenting on Black Dyke Band’s continued Winning Performances said:
“We are all proud of our past but realise it’s what we do in the future which we will be remembered for. Like all good F1 teams we are always looking for upgrades to our instruments.
We are lucky with our partners, Geneva, are always looking for improvements, and eagle eyed musicians would have seen the tenor horn team playing on their new upgraded instruments with the latest trigger mechanism”.
It is great to know when the lights go on that the players have the instruments they can trust.”
European Brass Band Championships – Stavaner – Main Sponsors
International Brass Brand Summer School – Cardiff – Main Sponsor
Wessex Summer School – Dorset – Sponsors
Drovers March – North Yorkshire – Sponsor
Bandamonium – Devon – Main Sponsor
Black Dyke Band Geneva Annual Concert – Main Sponsor
Cheethams Music School – Open Day – Sponsor
Red Admiral – Lancashire – Main Sponsor
Come and See our Instrument Trade Stands:
Swiss Nationals
Scottish Open
British Open
British Open Spring Festival
National Championship Finals Cheltenham
National Championship Regional Qualifiers
Swiss Open
Geneva Foundation ‘Making Your Band Better’ Courses 2025
These Geneva Foundation courses are designed to meet all standards of musicianship and focus on Band and Individual performance development.
The aim is to expand every players enjoyment and involvement through their improvement in performance.
Concessions and funding support will be available to Geneva Foundation Members.
Make Your Band Better Program
Geneva Foundation Instrumental Artists working at a sectional level to improve the overall quality of the Section.
Geneva Foundation Professor working with a whole band to improve the overall quality of the Band.
Geneva Foundation Professors working one to one or in group sessions to improve the quality of their band performance.
Courses can be organised at your venue or Geneva Bandroom locations in UK & Europe.