"After World War II the eduational recognition of the musical and social significance of brass bands led to the development of players and the encouragement of brass bands in schools and institutions of higher education, leading to wider awareness and broadening of musical horizons. With the NATIONAL SCHOOL BAND ASSOCIATION (formed 1951) and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (formed 1952) it ensured that the brass band as a male preserve was broken."

Geoffrey Brand

[ Extract from British Bandsman 23rd December 2000: Historic Feature: "Major influences on a century of brass banding."]