*
banner

Water treatment for Withington

Allan Withington's latest Conductor's Course will take in a drop or two of good old H2O...

Allan Withington Summer School
 

Allan Withington’s ever inventive Conductor’s Summer School is due to take place once again in Leeuwarden in Holland at the end of June.

Water

This year, conductors from all over Europe will enjoy a theme of ‘Ready, Steady, Wat…er?’ led by Allan with the hands on help of Soli Brass, in a week long course that aims to inspire the delegates technical as well as artistic musical development.

The course starts on Saturday 23rd and ends on Thursday 28th of June with a concert where the conductor’s showcase their progress to the local community.

Aim

Allan told 4BR: "The aim as always is to give the opportunity for conductors to develop their conducting skills alongside the ability to plan effective rehearsals, improve score reading, solve musical problems as they appear and plan innovative programmes.

It’s fun, challenging and opens up endless possibilities for the conductors in the future."

Stunning

Over the last three years, each course has developed its own theme, with an amazing open air fashion show produced last year in Leeuwarden’s picturesque town centre, which was filled with stunning models, wacky clothes and plenty of envious onlookers!

As over a quarter of Holland`s land mass is under sea level and the town has a intricate canal system of its own on hand, which has given rise to its nickname as the ‘Capital of Water Technology’, this year’s theme is based on the life giving properties of H2O – entitled, ‘Ready, Steady , Wat ... er?’

Push boundaries

Allan added: "As always we want to try and push boundaries and try something different. I’m sure we have done that again this year and everyone can look forward to having a great time.

To give the final concert that necessary edge, we will involve design students from Leeuwarden’s art college and we also intend to use the fantastic network of canals to create those ever important surprises!"

It’s fun, challenging and opens up endless possibilities for the conductors in the futureAllan Withington

Help and advice

Allan will lead the course and give one to one help and advice, whilst the student’s rehearsals are video recorded so that they gain a record of their development for further study.

Meanwhile, Robin Dewhurst will also be on hand to offer his unique views on programme planning and psychology of performance, whilst course organiser, Anja Abma will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Success

Such has been the growing success of the event that places have been filled well in advance, although Allan revealed that this year they have been able to secure an extra three places that can still be filled.

One of last year's students Uwe Koeller, has since gone on to conduct the Austrian Brass Band of the University of Graz to the 2012 B Section European title in Rotterdam.

Get in touch

If you are interested then get in contact quickly to:

Allan Withington a.withing@c2i.net
Anja Abma anja.abma@home.nl

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    


British Open

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd