*
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    


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Report & Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd