The Red Admiral Music Academy has announced the launch of a new initiative which they hope will give a 'hands-on focus' to brass band adjudication.

'Access to Adjudication' will offer the opportunity for experienced musicians from within the movement to access a programme of training, support, and 'in the box' experience as a route into adjudication.

Successful applicants will be invited to embark on a programme working alongside leading figures, through workshops and personalised mentoring.

Adjudication interest

Red Admiral Academy Leader, Daniel Brooks, told 4BR: "Over the past few years we've been proactive as a grass roots organisation in looking to offer those with an interest in adjudication the opportunity to become actively involved in our annual North West Preview Evening and more recently, our Entertainment Contest."

He added: "With the commitment to three major contests in 2026, we feel we now have the infrastructure to establish a more progressive offer with our 'Access to Adjudication' programme.

Our aim is to provide qualified and experienced musicians the opportunity to experience a 'hands-on' approach to adjudication and support the fundamental qualities we look for in our most respected adjudicators."

Our aim is to provide qualified and experienced musicians the opportunity to experience a 'hands-on' approach to adjudication and support the fundamental qualities we look for in our most respected adjudicatorsDaniel Brooks

Successful applicants

Successful applicants will be offered the opportunity to be an integral part of the Adjudication Panel at events administered by Red Admiral Music Academy, such as the Fleetwood Contest, Red Admiral Hymn & March Contest and the Academy's Entertainment Contest.

In supporting the initiative, Martin Heartfield, Head of AoBBA Development Programme told 4BR: "We welcome this new initiative and hope it will encourage and inspire the next generation of adjudicators."

Register interest

Potential applicants should register their interest by email via:
accesstoadjudication@outlook.com to receive more detailed information.

Applications will close on Monday 2nd February 2026.