*
banner

Dobson wins conducting award

The talented Simon Dobson becomes the first winner of the Denis and Maud Wright Conducting Award.

Dobson
 

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and its Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey has announced that Simon Dobson is the recipient of the first ever Denis and Maud Wright Conducting Award.

Auditions

Auditions took place under the guidance of Bramwell Tovey at the 2008 NYBBGB Summer Course in Bromsgrove where Simon and seven other first class candidates were auditioned throughout one entire day.

Of the prospective candidates, who were all of a high standard, special mention is made of Huw Thomas who received an honorable mention for his highly creditable performance.

Assistant

As part of the award Simon will be the NYBBGB Assistant Conductor to Bramwell Tovey for all 2009 NYBBGB activity. In addition Simon will also experience Bramwell's guidance on situations outside the NYBBGB and the NYBBGB will also be offering financial assistance to Simon in
furthering his conducting career.

I was very impressed with Simon Dobson's musicianship and his potential as a conductorBramwell Tovey

Very impressed

Bramwell Tovey told 4BR: "I was very impressed with Simon Dobson's musicianship and his potential as a conductor. Out of an excellent group of candidates Simon emerged as the front runner, displaying a strong interpretive sense and a clear concept of the possibilities within a brass band sound palette. I look forward to working with Simon in 2009."

Thrilled

Simon Dobson commented to 4BR: "I was totally thrilled to win the Denis and Maud Wright conducting Award in August of this year. I have wanted to be involved with the NYBB for a long time and when I read about the award I knew I'd give it my best shot.

"I already spend a great deal of my time working with young brass players, with the Devon youth band and the Cornwall youth band, so this seemed a positive progression."

Put through paces

Simon added: "As conductors, myself and the other candidates were really put through our paces and spent an entire day being tested and observed, but having the opportunity to conduct the NYBBGB was an amazing experience.

"Being coached by Bramwell Tovey, a conductor I have admired for years, was very exciting and I think my conducting has changed already through meeting him. I am looking forward to my time working with the NYBB and the challenges it brings."

Both Bramwell Tovey and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain look forward to working with Simon in 2009.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Marshall

Marshall to step down as principal cornet at Black Dyke Band

October 24 • Richard Marshall's outstanding 20 year tenure as principal cornet of Black Dyke Band will come to an end later this year.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Brass Band Willebroek

European contenders ready for Willebroek challenge

October 23 • 55 players from seven European countries will look to claim titles at the Willebroek Solo Contest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd