*
banner

Upbeat response to conducting competition

The recently re-launched National Association of Brass Band Conductors national Conducting Competition has already gained a good response.

NABBC
 

The National Association of Brass Band Conductors (NABBC) recently announced the revival of the NABBC Conducting Competition — and has reported that it has received a great deal of interest from people wishing to take part from all around the country.

Pleased

"We are really please with the response so far", NABBC President Russell Gray told 4BR. "It is such an important competition for us, but also one that will of great benefit to an aspiring generation of talented brass band conductors."

Finalists

Coinciding with the organisation's AGM to be held in Elland on Sunday 19th June, 12 finalists will enjoy the opportunity to rehearse part of one of three selected pieces from a list that includes, 'Essay' (Gregson); 'Traversada' (Waespi) and 'Tallis Variations' (Sparke).

Panel

An adjudication panel headed by Russell Gray alongside Paul Hoskin, Musical Director of the Rambert Ballet Company, will select 6 finalists to go through to the evening event where they present a single concert item.

The 'Winner Takes All' prize will see the successful conductor offered the opportunity to work in rehearsal and concert with the likes of Foden's, Carlton Main Frickley, Reg Vardy and Whitburn.

Applicants must be over 18 and be an active conductor of an ensemble — though they must not be professional conductors4BR

Over 18

Applicants must be over 18 and be an active conductor of an ensemble — though they must not be professional conductors.

They must also travel to the venue and provide their own scores for the first round of the competition.

Applicants must also be willing to submit a CV of conducting experience as well as a short video clip (5 mins approx) of them rehearsing an ensemble.

Contact

Anyone interested can contact: national.secretary@nabbc.org.uk for a full entry pack.

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd