Allan Withington's Conducting Summer School will once again take place in Leeuwarden in Holland from the 27th June to 3rd July.

Innovative

With its innovative approach to all aspects of conducting — from technique and rehearsal planning to creative programming, performance psychology and people management, it has become one of the most sought after professional development courses in banding.

This year under the heading 'Back to School' there will be an emphasis on the understanding, interpretation and performance of different musical styles — from the renaissance to modern pop, with Allan creating a vibrant learning atmosphere.

Improving

Helped by the Championship Section Soli Brass Leeuwarden as well as their Soli Brass Youth Band, the conducting delegates will be tasked with improving different areas of their conducting skill set throughout the week — culminating in a gala concert with Soli Brass.

Relaxed focus

Course administrator Anja Abma told 4BR: "Allan's approach attracts conductors from all corners of the globe. The relaxed atmosphere, focussed work ethic and the desire to learn and improve makes this an essential course for conductors of all levels.

It is not only the technical aspects of conducting that are looked at, but also the creative and psychological ones too — and we are delighted to welcome back Mette Hojen, a Master of Rhetoric from the University of Copenhagen, who will once again explore this fascinating area with delegates."

Youth engagement

Anja revealed that the inclusion of the Soli Youth Band has been deliberate — with each delegate asked to come up with ideas and approaches to immediately engage with young players at the start of a rehearsal to help them improve intonation, articulation, balance, sound quality and precision.

As ever with Allan's innovative approach — the youngsters themselves will offer immediate feedback on how effective each delegate has been!

The relaxed atmosphere, focussed work ethic and the desire to learn and improve makes this an essential course for conductors of all levelsCourse administrator Anja Abma

Crucial area

As Anja added; "This is aimed at developing an immediate response to ideas that are prepared and developed with youngsters in mind — a crucial area of future banding success."

4BR will be making the trip to Leeuwarden to report on the event.