*
banner

Withington to lead exploration of the state of mind

Allan Withington's 2023 Conducting Course will explore the psychological benefits music brings to the mind.

Withington
  Allan Withington will be leading the course

Allan Withington's 'Conductor Summer School' returns in 2023 with a typically innovative musical focus.

His 13th course, entitled 'It's a State of Mind', will take place in Leeuwarden in The Netherlands from the 8th to 13th July — offering six days of intensive rehearsals with 2021 Dutch National Champion Soli Brass.

The course which includes accommodation, meals, transport and materials, will concentrate on developing the conducting skill sets of delegates — from technique, rehearsal preparation and score reading to creative programme planning, people management, problem solving and performance psychology.

The pre-course focus will include extensive preparation work and introductions via the Zoom media platform with an initial session in March for delegates followed by a second in July.

Journey

Allan told 4BR: "The course title is subtitled "A Journey through Moods in Music"and I wish to explore the psychological benefits music making brings in reducing stress and depression whilst aiding memory improvement and motivation.

We all need to realise this and explore it further through different facets and genres of music."

He added: "I have an unbridled hunger to explore and learn for myself and with others, and I want to bring that out on the course. This is an exciting musical avenue for us all to examine together."

Find out more

To find out more contact: allanwithington@yahoo.no or Anja Abma at: anja.abma@gmail.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    


British Open

4BR British Open podcast

September 6 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Marple

British Open Countdown: T minus 6

September 6 • 30 years ago there was a British Open victory that shock the banding world.


numbers

Academics look to banding to provide expert analysis

September 6 • The rather dry academic world of Research Excellence Framework analysis has looked at brass band contesting for potential insight...


Dizzy

Dizzy Brasscals set for night club launch in Manchester

September 6 • The award winning events ensemble is headlining a new night club venture close to its spiritual musical home — with plenty of bangers for people to sing-along to.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd