General information
Vlamo (Vlaamse amateurmuziekorganisatie - Flemish Association of Music Bands and Musicians) was founded in 2002 as a result of the restructuring, imposed by the Flemish Government and Parliament, of the Flemish amateur music associations. Since, Vlamo is the only official recognized association in Flanders in this field and substitutes the former ones.
Main objectives
The mission of Vlamo is to support instrumental, non-professional music life in Flanders as a full-fledged discipline in amateur arts and within the broad field of arts and culture.
The main objectives are:
- to realise an open documentation center,
- to improve the image and quality of instrumental music by way of communication,
- to develop new courses, events and educational materials,
- to consult together with other disciplines in amateur arts,
- to support members and bands on artistic, technical and organisational basis,
- to improve quality of service level on a permanent basis.
Large Association
Some 1150 bands, or more than 69 000 people, are associated with Vlamo. Most of the bands are the traditional symphonic wind and fanfare bands, but there is an increasing number of symphonic orchestras, brass bands, big bands, ensembles, drum and percussion bands, accordion ensembles, pipe and show bands etc.
Structure
There are six Vlamo regions throughout Flanders, one in each of the five provinces and one in the Brussels Region. All of which having their own Board and committees and organising regional events.
The General Board of Directors and the General Assembly comprises representatives of all these regions and representatives of the several artistic committees, entrusted with overseeing every kind of band.
Periodical
The flashy looking Vlamo periodical “Klankbord” is widely spread among people and institutions interested in instrumental music. Publishers, musical instrument and other branch oriented companies have the opportunity to advertise in the periodical.
Documentation and Information Centre
Vlamo offers a wide range of documentation (conductor scores, CD’s, periodicals, books) to conductors, students and musicians. It helps them i.e. to choose suitable band music.
Staff
A group of staff members is active in the central and regional offices.
Looking for international contacts?
Many Belgian bands like to travel abroad, to have contacts with local bands and to participate in international festivals and contests.
If you have any offer to make to Belgian bands, don't hesitate to contact Vlamo (Pieter Meuwissen). Make your announcements quite early, as bands are planning international trips long before. Announcements will be put on one of our webpages or in our magazine Klankbord.
Download our PDF Information Leaflet | Advertising rates magazine Klankbord