*
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    


NYBBGB

Tynan becomes NYBBGB Young Conductor winner

January 17 • The Black Dyke Band solo Eb tuba player shines his light to claim the title honours with the baton in Tidworth.


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd