Allan Withington will led a very special one day conductor's course as part of the Durham International Festival next month.

The event takes place at Durham Gala Theatre on 15th July and will present a rare opportunity for aspiring and working conductors in the UK to learn from the six times National Champion MD.

The day will be formatted into two, two and a half hour sessions of intense rehearsal, commencing at 10.00am.

Aim

Allan told 4BR: "The aim of the day is to give delegates an awareness of, and an improvement in basic conducting skills. We also hope to develop in each delegate a noticeable change or improvement in the band’s playing, from the start to finish of each individual student’s time on the podium."

He added: "All students will, when they are not actively involved, be present to watch, listen, learn and to take part in any discussions that may arise."

All the students need to bring is a good baton and an inquisitive mind!Allan Withingtron

Repertoire

Repertoire embraced will include the recent Norwegian Elite Section National set work, 'The Power of the Soul' by Maurice Hammers, 'Nimrod' arranged by Eric Ball as well as more simple sight-reading, which will be given out on the day.

Allan added: "All the students need to bring is a good baton and an inquisitive mind!"

Details:

Morning Session:

10.00am — 10.20am
An introduction by Allan Withington, during which Allan will chat to delegates about their expectations and personal aspirations for the day.

10.20am — 10.50am:
Allan Withington will outline the style of good conducting technique and will enlist the practical help of delegates for this session, accompanied by Stavanger Band

10.50am – 11.00am:
Coffee, The Studio

11.00pm – 1.15pm:
Delegates will receive practical experience with guidance and comments from Allan Withington, accompanied by Stavanger Band from Norway.

1.15pm – 1.45pm: Lunch, The Studio


Afternoon Session:
1.45pm – 4.00pm

1.45pm – 3.45pm:
More practical experience, with Allan Withington’s guidance,
accompanied by Stavanger Band.

Coffee / tea: The Studio – ten-minute break during the course of the afternoon.

Summary: 3.45pm – 4.00pm
Allan Withington will invite questions from the floor and Stavanger Band will remain to accompany any practical demonstrations required.

Conclusion: 4.00pm – 4.30pm
Course feedback for each student, during which Allan Withington will offer delegates tips and advice about further individual development.

Further details:

The price of the day-long Conductors’ Course is £35 per person and delegates will be eligible for a 25% discount per ticket to Stavanger’s stunning Bach and Beyond concert in Durham Cathedral on 14 July, starting at 7.30pm.

Concert

The concert will trace the development of the chorale from Bach to gospel and incorporate some special choreography to demonstrate how the chorale has been used to accompany different historical events.

Booking:

To secure a place on the Conductors’ Course, please contact Gala Durham at:
1 Milennium Place
Town Centre, Durham
DH1 1WA

Box office: 0191 332 4041
Book online at: www.galadurham.co.uk

Direct information

All inquiries about Course format to Nicola Bland
Telephone: 07976 908546
Email: kapitolpromotion@btconnect.com

For further information about the full BRASS programme,
please visit www.brassfestival.co.uk