*
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    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

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


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd