the cooperation band is delighted to announce the appointment of Olav M Skår as its new President.
A former member of the band during his university years in Glasgow, Olav is a passionate percussionist and long-standing supporter of the brass band movement. His dedication to music has remained unwavering throughout an international career in the energy sector that has spanned The Netherlands, Scotland, Thailand, New Zealand, Syria, Norway, Qatar, and England.
Olav has consistently found ways to integrate music into both his professional and personal life, championing musical expression across continents. His global perspective and corporate experience offer a unique vision for the future of the cooperation band and the wider banding community.
“I believe that we in the banding movement have much to offer to society and corporate life—we just need to find the right openings to showcase it through the universal language of music. I am also a firm believer that our movement can learn much from corporate life. In order to harvest, we need to position ourselves differently: more outward-facing, more in tune with societal needs and priorities. Those who experienced ‘Transitions in Energy’ during the European Championships in Stavanger earlier this year may understand this perspective.
I was delighted that the organisers took on board my conceptual ideas and appointed Fredrick Schjelderup as the composer. He delivered a piece that—besides being a monumental test work—aligned with global and national priorities, including the energy/climate fracture and the deeper consequences of societal progress driven by cheap energy.
I am now honoured to contribute to The Cooperation Band as we continue building our unique legacy. We look to the future as Scottish ambassadors for the arts, locally, nationally, and internationally.”
A spokesperson for The Cooperation Band added:
“We are thrilled to welcome Olav M Skår as our new President. His energy, vision, and global insight come at an exciting time for the band as we prepare for a demanding and inspiring calendar.”
The Cooperation Band heads into a busy autumn season with appearances at The British Open, The National Brass Band Championships and Brass in Concert. Looking further ahead, planning is already underway for the 2026 World Championships in Kerkrade, where the band will proudly represent Glasgow and Scotland on the world stage.
