*
banner

Adjudicator trainee initiative to continue at Cheltenham

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will be leading their training scheme at the National Finals in Cheltenham on the weekend.

aobba
  The training initiative is being run by the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has announced that it will its continue with its professional development programme for trainee adjudicators at the National Finals in Cheltenham on the weekend.

Trainees

With permission of contest promoter Kapitol Promotions, trainee adjudicators Colum O'Shea, Nick Sanders and Matthew Ryan undertake a mock adjudication for Section 1 alongside mentor Martin Heartfield. Stephanie Binns will be joined by mentor Nicholas Garman for Section 2.

The groups will be sat in closed surroundings directly behind the official adjudicator's tent.

4BR was informed that whilst the trainee adjudicators remarks and placings won't be available to the participating bands, they will prove invaluable to the trainees and their mentors and count as one of six assignments required to complete the association's trainee programme.

Experience

Speaking about the initiative, Head of AoBBA's Trainee Programme, Martin Heartfield commented: "We are very grateful to Kapitol Promotions for enabling some of our trainee adjudicators to complete assignments at the National Finals, engaging in such a high-quality experience."

PRO Officer Christopher Bond, added: "Having been through the trainee programme and experienced the initiative at Cheltenham, I know how valuable it is.

The success of the trainee programme in recent years speaks for itself and we actively encourage applications to take part in it with us."

More information

For more information: www.aobba.com

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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd