At Amb. Etim Okpoyo's daughter's wedding

Digital Brass provided music entertainment today at the wedding banquet of the daughter of a former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Ambassador Etim Okpoyo. The banquet was held at the banquet hall of the prestigious Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo. The band was conducted by its Deputy Director of Music and principal saxophonist, Mr. Daniel Daniel.

The Administration of Digital Brass

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BAND

a.       The day-to-day administration of the band is conducted by an Executive Committee, consisting of persons who are members in good standing of the band. Every member is responsible to the Director.

b.      The internal management of the band is undertaken by a Committee of the officers of the band. This committee consists of the Director, Deputy Director of Music, Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant. The Director may co-opt such other officers as may be considered necessary from time to time.

c.       The Executive Committee co-opts such other members or non members who have a dire interest in promoting and developing the band, as considered necessary from time to time.

d.      Meetings of the Committee are convened by the Secretary as and when required by the Director in order to discharge efficiently the business of the band. Four members in person constitute a quorum of any meeting of the Committee. Voting is by a show of hands. Minutes are kept of the proceedings at all meetings. The Chairman presiding over the meeting, in all cases of equal division, has an additional or casting vote.

e.      The Director is the Chairman presiding at all meetings. In the absence of the Director or the Deputy Director of Music, a chairman for the meeting is chosen by the members present from within their numbers.   

f.        The Executive Committee is responsible for the discipline and conduct of members, and has complete and absolute authority regarding membership and the standing of members. They can suspend any member from performing with the band if they are of the opinion that the participation of that individual would be detrimental to the band.

COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Digital Brass shall has the following offices and officers:

i.                     Director/Principal Conductor (otherwise called the Director)

ii.                   Deputy Director of Music/Assistant Conductor

iii.                  Secretary

iv.                 Internal Relations Officer/Assistant Secretary

v.                   Treasurer

vi.                 Band Sergeant

vii.                Property Officer/Assistant Internal Relations Officer

viii.              Legal Advisor/Public Relations Officer (might be a non playing member)

RULES GOVERNING THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

i.                     The ascension into office of officers “ii – viii” above is by appointment at the discretion of the Director.

ii.                   Every officer so appointed holds office for one year, after which period the Director appoints new officers to succeed them.

iii.                  At the discretion of the Director, any officer can be asked to continue in office beyond the one year tenure and for as long as the Director finds him disciplined, efficient, loyal and trustworthy.

iv.                 An officer automatically ceases to be one if he resigns or dies.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE BAND

a.       Any person who plays an appropriate instrument at a level which is consistent with the performance objectives of the band, or who desires to receive instruction in the playing of such instrument apply to become a member of Digital Brass. The Executive Committee considers and accepts or rejects such applications. Each and every person accepted in membership signs a membership book agreeing to the Bye-Laws and Rules of Digital Brass.
b.      Applications are considered from persons under the age of 18 years subject to parental consent in writing. The parents agree on behalf of the applicant to:

i.                    Observe the Bye-Laws and Rules of the band.
ii.                  Accept directions from the person(s) in charge.
iii.                Agree that they may be taken to events in which the band may be performing or attending.

c.       The Executive Committee has the right to expel any member for misconduct, prolonged non-attendance without good cause, or breach of the rules as it sees fit.

d.      No member holds claim to any Digital Brass property, and on leaving membership, gives up all Digital Brass property to the Executive Committee.

e.      New members joining the band complete a registration form detailing address, telephone number(s), instruments played, etc.

f.        The total number of playing members is set by the Executive Committee, subject to the availability of resources at any given time.

g.       Every member has one vote, subject to those under the age of 18 not being able to vote on matters relating to the band.

h.      No member is treated differently by reason of sex, nationality, race, creed or ethnic origin.

Objectives of Digital Brass

The objectives of the Band are:

a.       To encourage music-making by players of brass instruments.

b.      To support and encourage the organization of concerts for brass bands and brass instrumentalists in collaboration with government authorities, brass band associations or any other body organizing such events.

c.       To offer audiences in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole, and abroad, the highest possible standards of music-making through the medium of the brass band.

d.      To promote and improve Digital Brass by coaching, encouraging and motivating all members to improve individually and to strive to improve the band over the longer term.

e.      To promote and represent Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole both locally and abroad at a whole host of differing concerts, functions and celebrations, providing music in a wide variety of styles.

f.        To encourage the educational development of members of the band.

The Director / Principal Conductor

With over 20 years of musical performance, conducting and brass band training experience, Mr. Joseph Mfon Akpan, the Director/Principal Conductor of DIGITAL BRASS brings a superior musical and educational offering to the direction of this all-star ensemble. Mr. Akpan who has stood before great brass bands in USA, Singapore, Zimbabwe and the Republic of Congo, received his early music training in The Salvation Army, Lagos Central Corps (Lagos, Nigeria) where he started playing cornet in the Band in 1988.

“What has led me into what I’m doing is my passion for music and entertainment  -  my passion to help our youths be the best they can be musically  -  my passion to help create an atmosphere of harmony among people  -  my passion to help build communities that have an element of enjoyment and satisfaction and purpose. I have always prayed that all my days and will and power, and all the passion of my being shall be channeled to bringing joy, understanding and inspiration to people, and we cannot underestimate the power of music in making this possible.”

  - Joseph M. Akpan