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