*
banner

Ready, steady...INTERPRET! — Withington set to test conductors

Allan Withington's Conducting Summer School will be taking another innovatve look at how we go about the business of making music...

Withington
 

Allan Withington will be hosting his latest innovative Conducting Summer School in Leeuwarden later this year — with an emphasis on the interpretation of music.

As usual, the course will be open to conductors from all over the banding world — and will take place from Saturday 2nd July — Friday 8th July.

Ready, steady...INTERPRET!?

The course ethos is summed up in three simple words: 'Ready, steady...INTERPRET!' and will explore how conductors interpret music, and how they can explore different genres by engaging and understanding a multitude of emotions, techniques and inspirations.

Memorable meeting

As Allan told 4BR; "How does a dancer set to movement the music we play and indeed the way in which we play it? How can a vocalist relate his or her breath control to the playing of wind instruments; or how can a brass band understand the innate complexities of big band music or Monteverdi, Mozart or Wagner?"

He added: "It promises to be another memorable meeting of conductors eager to improve their outlook and skill sets, to open new doors to wider musical horizons."

Expert organisation

With the expert organisation and administration skills of Anja Abma alongside the musical talent of Soli Brass Leeuwarden (runner-up Championship Division Dutch Nationals 2015), Pro Rege Heerenveen (2015 Dutch First Division Champion), professional singer Fardau van der Woude and dancers from the Frisian Youth Dance Academy, the delegates will also have the unique opportunity of working equally enthused, committed and flexible counterparts.

How does a dancer set to movement the music we play and indeed the way in which we play it?Allan Withington

Rhetorical approach

Once again the mental, psychological and rhetorical approach to music making will be addressed by Mette Hojen a leading expert in leadership communication.

Mette is a Master of Arts in Rhetoric (University of Copenhagen), a former advisor and speechwriter to the CEO of the Danish Bankers Association and a past member of the Copenhagen Brass Ensemble, European Youth Band and Concord Band in Denmark.

She has gained a worldwide reputation for her development of leadership rhetoric of professional conductors and how these can be assimilated into business communication.

To enquire

To enquire about a place on the 2016 course, contact: allanwithington@yahoo.no

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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Black Dyke Band

Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke

October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 2 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd