*
banner

California dreaming as McKenzie takes NABBC title back to USA

American conductor Craig McKenzie claims the National Association of Brass Band Conductors Conductor Competition title after a high quality battle of the batons.

winner
  The American conductor Craig McKenzie took the title

The American conductor Craig McKenzie has claimed the 4th National Association of Brass Band Conductors Conductor Competition title.

The high quality event at Eccles Town Hall saw entrants from across the UK and Europe lock batons in pursuit of the title, but it was the Californian who triumphed and secure the opportunity to work with the likes of National Champion Foden's and European Champion Cory in the future.

Thrill

Craig McKenzie told 4BR: "I was delighted to be able to be a part of the phenomenal brass band tradition here in the UK, and it was such a thrill to have the opportunity to conduct the talented Rainford and Eccles Borough Bands. I was both humbled and awed to win."

Craig faced stiff competition from the 11 rivals, including runner-up Bjørn Breistein from Norway and third placed Daniel McLaughlin from the UK.

The other finalists were Matt Green (UK), Pascal Maillard (France) and Luke Pallister (UK), whilst the semi-finalist line-up consisted of Andrea Durante (Italy), Dexter Drown (UK), Robert Fraser (UK), Mark Good (UK), Patrick Marshall (UK) and Andy Wareham (UK).

Very impressed

After judging alongside Mark Heron, Paul Hindmarsh told 4BR: "We were very impressed by the overall standard and delighted to support the NABBC in discovering and developing talented conductors worldwide."

He added: "It was fantastic to see such an international entry, with the winner Craig MacKenzie coming over from California.

He's already very experienced conducting school and college wind bands and we hope that the growing brass band community in the USA makes use of his well honed skills and musicianship."

I was delighted to be able to be a part of the phenomenal brass band tradition here in the UK, and it was such a thrill to have the opportunity to conduct the talented Rainford and Eccles Borough BandsCraig McKenzie

Superb job

In response to the success of the event NABBC President Russell Gray thanked Yamaha for their support and added: "I was delighted with how smoothly the competition ran, with team at the NABBC doing a superb job.

Both bands gave every contender a wonderful platform to showcase their skills. The international appeal this competition has and the fact that we have conductors re-applying each year tells me we are doing something of importance to help the brass band movement throughout the world."

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    


pRESTOCDS

Presto Music Collection: Six more classic CDs

July 8 • You can continue to build your classic brass collection of CDs with 4BR's partnership with Presto Music.


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Steve Phillips

Central England lead for Phillips

July 8 • The experienced Steve Phillips has become the new Musical Director of Brass Band of Central England.


Anthony Smith

New solo euphonium at Cory

July 8 • Anthony Smith becomes the new solo euphonium player at the Brass in Concert champion ahead of their British Open challenge.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Petworth Town Band

July 7 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, TUBA and BASS TROMBONE. We are an enthusiastic band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome you to join us and our inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Epping Forest Band

July 7 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd