National Conducting Competition to Continue

The National Association of Brass Band Conductors has announced that, for the fourth year, it will once again be holding its National Conducting Competition. The final will take place on 8th June at Eccles Town Hall following the Association’s annual general meeting.

The first round will see application by CV and video performance. 12 semi-finalists will then be selected to perform a movement from one of two pieces ‘Symphony of Marches’ by Gilbert Vinter and ‘Fraternity’ by Thierry Deleruyelle with the Rainford Band at Eccles Town Hall.

Six will be chosen to go through to the final round consisting of an open to the public rehearsal and evening concert with the Eccles Borough Band. Each finalist will present and perform their piece during the first half of the concert. The adjudicators will deliberate on their decision during the second half whilst Eccles provide concert entertainment.

The association are delighted to announce that the prize for the winner will be to work with two of the world’s finest bands. We are thrilled to have secured opportunities with current National Champions Fodens and the worlds number one ranked band, the Cory band. Both bands will provide rehearsal and performance opportunities for the winner in a prize that is sure to be on the “Bucket list” of any aspiring conductor.

NABBC President, Russell Gray told A4B: “I am delighted we are able to run this competition once again. I feel it is so important to create opportunities for conductors to gain valuable experiences by working with these wonderful bands. Last year we received entries from around the world including Italy, France, Switzerland, America and Australia, making it a truly international event. Over the last two years we have been supported by Fodens, Fairey’s, Carlton Main, Flowers, Gus, Reg Vardy, Tredegar and Whitburn.

We have also been supported by Roberts Bakery Band, Eccles Borough Band, and this year the Rainford Band providing our conductors with high Calibre ensembles to work with during the opening round. All of our past winners have been able to use the experience to enhance their conducting careers, and all of our finalists receive personal advice on their conducting techniques from our experienced adjudicators. I am sure this years event will be a huge success, and I want to wish all of our aspiring conductors who enter the very best of luck. I look forward to meeting all of you on the 8th of June.”

Applicants must be over 18. It should be noted that there is no stipulation or requirement that their ensemble should be a brass band.

Anyone interested should email the association secretary, James Holt, on [email protected] and an application pack will be provided. The 12 successful applicants invited to the semi final must travel to the venue and provide their own scores for the first round of the competition.

The closing date for entries is Friday April 26th
12 semi-finalists notified by 10th May