The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and its Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey has announced that Simon Dobson is the recipient of the first ever Denis and Maud Wright Conducting Award.

Auditions

Auditions took place under the guidance of Bramwell Tovey at the 2008 NYBBGB Summer Course in Bromsgrove where Simon and seven other first class candidates were auditioned throughout one entire day.

Of the prospective candidates, who were all of a high standard, special mention is made of Huw Thomas who received an honorable mention for his highly creditable performance.

Assistant

As part of the award Simon will be the NYBBGB Assistant Conductor to Bramwell Tovey for all 2009 NYBBGB activity. In addition Simon will also experience Bramwell's guidance on situations outside the NYBBGB and the NYBBGB will also be offering financial assistance to Simon in
furthering his conducting career.

I was very impressed with Simon Dobson's musicianship and his potential as a conductorBramwell Tovey

Very impressed

Bramwell Tovey told 4BR: "I was very impressed with Simon Dobson's musicianship and his potential as a conductor. Out of an excellent group of candidates Simon emerged as the front runner, displaying a strong interpretive sense and a clear concept of the possibilities within a brass band sound palette. I look forward to working with Simon in 2009."

Thrilled

Simon Dobson commented to 4BR: "I was totally thrilled to win the Denis and Maud Wright conducting Award in August of this year. I have wanted to be involved with the NYBB for a long time and when I read about the award I knew I'd give it my best shot.

"I already spend a great deal of my time working with young brass players, with the Devon youth band and the Cornwall youth band, so this seemed a positive progression."

Put through paces

Simon added: "As conductors, myself and the other candidates were really put through our paces and spent an entire day being tested and observed, but having the opportunity to conduct the NYBBGB was an amazing experience.

"Being coached by Bramwell Tovey, a conductor I have admired for years, was very exciting and I think my conducting has changed already through meeting him. I am looking forward to my time working with the NYBB and the challenges it brings."

Both Bramwell Tovey and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain look forward to working with Simon in 2009.