*
banner

Breslin claims National Association of Brass Band Conductors prize

Brenden Breslin claims NABBC Conducting Prize after keen battle for honours in Yorkshire.

Bernard Breslin
 

Brenden Breslin, who plays BBb tuba and percussion in the Irish Police Band, as well as conducting the well respected amateur Dublin Symphony Orchestra, has won the 2016 National Association of Brass Band Conductor's, 'Conducting Competition'.

Prize

The 35 year old received a cheque for £600 and the Roy Newsome Shield after beating off the strong challenge of 11 fellow finalists at the recent day-long event held at Bertie's Bistro in Elland, Yorkshire (above).

The victory has just rounded off a memorable period for the father of four after he just completed his Masters in Composition and Conducting at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Finalists

After the morning preliminaries, six conductors were chosen to go through to the final by adjudicators Russell Gray and Paul Hoskins, Musical Director of the Rambert Dance Company.

There they had to work with Eccles Borough Band on a selected part one of three works: 'Essay' by Edward Gregson, 'Tallis Variations' by Philip Sparke or 'Traversada' by Oliver Waespi.

Elements

Different elements of the art of conducting were looked at by Paul and Russell in making their choice — from time management, preparation, score knowledge, gestures and rapport to essential clear and precise baton technique, with each of the finalists, Mark Edwards, Rob Richardson, Matt Shaw, Gary Perrin, James Kerlie and Bernard Breslin impressing the judges as well as the small but supportive audience.

Each also had to conduct Eccles Borough Band on concert music as diverse as 'Serenade' by Derek Bourgeois to 'Mac & Mabel', 'The Witch of the Westmerlands' and 'The Incredibles', with other music also featured during the concert presentation.

The 35 year old received a cheque for £600 and the Roy Newsome Shield after beating off the strong challenge of 11 fellow finalists4BR

Qualities

Bernard showcased his qualities to take the honours — which also includes the opportunity to work with the likes of Foden's, Carlton Main, Reg Vardy and Whitburn Bands.

Fairey Band baritone player Rob Richardson was awarded second place with the opportunity to work with the Eccles Band in the future.

image courtesy of Paul Hindmarsh

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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd