*
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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd