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The aim is simple – to support bands that are committed to self-improvement in all areas of banding. Whether that is assistance with the playing aspects of your individual corps, the whole ensemble, or even leadership and administrative skills, the programme is designed to help bands analyse their performance and management systems and develop improvement strategies.
How does it work?
Bands can apply to the RNZPBA for a mentor for one 12 month period. There is no restriction on what grade of band may apply – everyone needs help at some stage!
The RNZPBA will pay the Mentor a fee for their time and expertise and will fund up to $500 of travel for visits to your band. If a Band requires a Mentor to visit their band for any reason after the initial $500 has been spent, the band will need to fund this themselves.
The Mentor will along with the officers of the band complete an initial assessment of strengths, weaknesses and goals of the band. This assessment will lead to an agreed set of priorities and improvement objectives which will become the focus of the Mentor Programme.
The Mentor will primarily work in the background with the officers of the band to help achieve the objectives and goals, but will also be expected to spend time with the whole band.
Bands selected for this programme are expected to ensure a high turnout of their piping/drumming teams during the agreed timetable of Mentor visits, which may or may not include weekend sessions.
The Mentor will be available via electronic communication or in person, but will expect to make at least three in person visits to the band.
You will be encouraged to use recordings and electronic media to ensure appropriate aspects of performance are being monitored and reviewed.
If a Band requires a mentor to visit their band for any reason after the initial $500 has been spent, the band will need to fund this themselves.
The application process
The application should be sent via the Application Form. A copy of the application will be sent to the band’s Centre Secretary. Copying application to Centres allows them to promote and monitor applications from bands in their region.
Once your band has applied using the Application Form, the Education Group Leader will consider the merit of each band’s application and potential to benefit from the Mentor Programme when making selections from applications. This might include:
The Education Group Leader makes the decisions on the applications, and advises the Band of the outcome of application. The awarding of a Mentor Programme is conditional on suitable mentors being available. While bands may recommend mentors, the RNZPBA reserves the right to select the mentor.
For further information contact the Education Group Leader.
The mentor will primarily work in the background with the officers of the band to help achieve the objectives and goals.
Every band needs help from time to time. Maybe your individual corps are playingwell but the ensemble isn’t gelling. Maybe your committee is stretched thin and admin keeps crowding out music. Maybe you’re a young band hungry to climb a grade, or an established one looking to sharpen an edge. Wherever you are, the RNZPBA Mentor Programme pairs your band with an experienced mentor who helps you find that next step—and take it.
This isn’t a quick clinic or a one-off workshop. It’s a 12-month partnership built around your band’s goals, with a mentor working alongside your officers and players to turn ambition into measurable progress.