The National Association of Brass Band Conductors has announced that it will once again hold its National Conducting Competition.

The final will take place on 9th June at Eccles Town Hall following the Association's annual general meeting.

First round

The first round will see application by CV and video performance, with 12 semi-finalists selected to perform one of three pieces ('Odyssey', 'Montage', 'Tournament for Brass') with the Rainford Band with six chosen to go through to the final round consisting of public rehearsal time and evening concert with the Eccles Borough Band.

Each finalist will present and perform their piece during the first half of the concert.

Brighouse and Cory

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The Association is delighted to announce that the prize for the winner will be to work with current National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick and Cory Band. Both will provide rehearsal and performance opportunities for the winner."

NABBC President, Russell Gray added: "I'm delighted we are able to run this competition again. I feel it's so important to create opportunities for conductors to gain valuable experiences by working with these wonderful bands.

Last year we received entries from around the world making it a truly international event.

Over the last two years we have been supported by Fodens, Fairey's, Carlton Main, Flowers, Virtuosi GUS, Reg Vardy, Tredegar and Whitburn. We have also been supported by Roberts Bakery, Eccles Borough, and this year Rainford Band providing our conductors with high calibre ensembles to work with.

All of our past winners have been able to use the experience to enhance their conducting careers, and all of our finalists receive personal advice on their conducting techniques from our experienced adjudicators. I look forward to meeting all of the finalists on the 9th of June."

All of our past winners have been able to use the experience to enhance their conducting careersNABBC President, Russell Gray

Applicants

Applicants must be over 18 and be an active conductor of an ensemble. It should be noted that there is no stipulation or requirement that their ensemble should be a brass band.

Successful applicants must travel to the venue and provide their own scores for the first round of the competition. The closing date for entries is Friday April 20th.

Persons interested can contact: national.secretary@nabbc.org.uk