The Scottish Brass Band Association has announced details of its forthcoming Conductors’ Weekend Workshops.

The growing success of the ventures means that on this occasion there will three two-day workshops running concurrently over the weekend of Saturday & Sunday 5th/6th April.

Workshops

The Advanced Conductors’ Workshop will be led by Russell Gray with assistance from Coalburn Silver Band, whilst the Youth Band Conductors’ Workshop will be led by Gareth Bowman with help from Coalburn Bronze Band.

With an eye to encouraging future talent, there will also be a Less Experienced & New Conductors’ Workshop led by Nigel Boddice MBE, also with Coalburn Bronze Band.

Time and place

The three courses will take place on at the SBBA Offices, 12 Fairbairn Road, Livingston, EH54 6TS, commencing at 10.00am and concluding at 5.00pm each day.

Day to day

The Advanced Conductors’ Workshop led by Russell Gray, will concentrate on the varied ‘day to day practicalities’ of conducting a brass band — from accompanying a soloist and conducting hymn tunes to concert and contest preparation, conducting and rehearsal techniques.

Meanwhile, the Youth Band Conductors’ Workshop will focus on aspects of training, repertoire and motivation for youth bands of all levels and ages, whilst the Less Experienced & New Conductors’ Workshop will focus around baton technique, conducting tips and advice to those starting out on a long, but rewarding conducting career.

Positive feedback

A SBBA spokesperson told 4BR: "The workshops, partly funded by Creative Scotland through the Youth Music Initiative, have proven to offer valuable instruction and insight, with extremely positive feedback received from past attendees.

We hope to attract more candidates to take part in whichever area is suitable for their own level of conducting experience."

Hands on

Due to the tailored, ‘hands-on’ nature of the weekend, available spaces are limited in numbers, so SBBA recommends that interested conductors register their place as soon as possible by contacting Andrew Duncan, Development Manager, Scottish Brass Band Association at: andrewduncan@sbba.org.uk

All three workshops conclude on Sunday 6th of April with a short open rehearsal from 4.00pm to 5.00pm, with members of the public welcome to attend for a nominal entry fee of £3.

We hope to attract more candidates to take part in whichever area is suitable for their own level of conducting experienceSBBA

Course fees:

Fees for the courses are £80.00 for the Advanced Conductors’ Workshop, £40.00 for the Youth Band Conductors’ Workshop and £40.00 for the Less Experienced & New Conductors’ Workshop.

These fees include refreshments and a buffet lunch on both days.