*
banner

Adjudicator's test-piece, percussion and conducting workshop details confirmed

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators have confirmed the details of their Area test piece workshops.

sCORE
  The Area test piece day is aimed at everyone who wants to find out more about the set-works

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has confirmed the details of their forthcoming annual 'Test-Piece Workshop'.

The event on Sunday 20th January will cover the Area test-pieces for the Second, Third and Fourth Sections with in-depth analysis, tips for performance preparation and valuable insights into the adjudicator's thoughts on each work at Boarshurst Band Room, Greenbridge Lane, Oldham (OL3 7EW).

Percussion and conducting workshops

The Association is offering both a Percussion Workshop and Conducting Workshop for any interested musicians wishing to improve their skills.

Spokesperson Sarah Groarke-Booth told 4BR: "The Percussion Workshop will be led by Simone Rebello and will focus on the Area test-piece requirements as well as exploring the range of techniques needed to traverse the percussion parts found in modern brass band repertoire.

Conducting workshop

Meanwhile, the Conducting Workshop with Unite the Union Band under MD John Roberts is open to conductors wishing to improve on baton technique and explore rehearsal strategies.

It is also ideal for those who want to take up the baton for the first time — in particular, members of the banding community who are rather under-represented in the conducting field such as female conductors."

This workshop will be run by Sarah Groarke-Booth. Although open to all, places will be limited to allow participants to try out their skills in a full rehearsal situation.

Interested?

Interested parties should contact Sarah at pro@aobba.com

The event is free of charge to all participants and should prove to be a productive and stimulating day.

Further details will be published over the coming weeks — including venue, presenters and exact timetabling.

The event is free of charge to all participants and should prove to be a productive and stimulating dayAoBBA

Timetable

The timetable for the event is as follows:

Fourth Section: 10.30am — 11.30am
Third Section: 11.45am — 12.45pm

Percussion Workshop: 12.45pm — 1.45pm
Conducting Workshop: 1.45pm — 3.00pm

Second Section: 3.15pm — 4.15pm

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd