AoBBA Appoint New Chairman

A new Chair was appointed by the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators at their AGM, held last Sunday, 21st January.

Mark Wilkinson will take over the position left vacant following Alan Morrison’s retirement from the position. Mark, along with the Executive Committee and all members of the Association, thanked Alan for his dedicated hard work and professionalism throughout his five-year tenure at the head of the organisation.

Mark has already taken on the mantel and is ‘looking forward to the various challenges that this role presents.’ Alan will continue to serve on the Executive committee, along with Simone Rebello, Kevin Wadsworth, John Roberts, Colin Hardy, Stan Lippeatt and Nicholas Garman; with David Hirst maintaining his role as Secretary, Sarah Groarke-Booth continuing as Public Relations Officer and David Ashworth holding the financial reins as Treasurer. The meeting was well attended by the membership and various issues were discussed.

The meeting was then followed by AoBBA’s annual Regional Test Piece Workshop. Presenters Sarah Groarke-Booth, John Roberts and Rodney Newton gave their analysis and suggestions for rehearsal approach on Ex Terra Lucem, Napoleon on the Alps and World Tour respectively.

It was a particular pleasure to hear Rodney’s thoughts on his own composition and there were some helpful pointers and advice for all those conductors and players present to implement in their rehearsal rooms.

The workshop was well attended and the opportunity to raise questions and debate aspects of technique and rehearsal approach was appreciated by all the audience members. The Association intends to repeat the event prior to next year’s Area contests – watch this space for details.