*
banner

New wind and brass focus for RNCM

Two conducting courses at the RNCM will have a musical focus on wind band and brass bands.

RNCM
  The courses will focus on conductors and music educators

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester has announced its annual programme of external conducting courses, which provide world-class development opportunities for conductors at all levels.

Led by RNCM conducting staff Mark Heron and Clark Rundell, it will be divided into two strands: masterclasses for conductors with some experience, and a course for music educators.

Masterclass programme

The masterclass programme, which attracts applicants from all over the world, comprises a two-day course in February and a three-day course in May in partnership with Manchester Camerata. It also includes a new weekend course in November focusing on conducting wind and brass bands.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Participants will have the chance to conduct both the RNCM's Wind Orchestra and Brass Band, giving an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills in front of these outstanding ensembles."

Music educators

The course for music educators is aimed at those working with youth orchestras, bands and ensembles, and will enable delegates to develop their technical and artistic skills with a specific focus on working with young musicians.

It will take place over three workshops (October, January and February) with an e-learning component between the practical sessions.

Participants will have the chance to conduct both the RNCM's Wind Orchestra and Brass Band, giving an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills in front of these outstanding ensemblesRNCM

Outstanding talent

Mark Heron told 4BR: "At the RNCM we are very proud of our conducting courses, both for full-time students and the various short courses. The masterclass programme is long established and has unearthed some outstanding talents.

I'm also very conscious of the excellent work done by music educators throughout the UK, and we're delighted to be able to continue this new course which focuses specifically on the skills needed to work with young musicians.'

Full course details

Full course details and application packs are available here:

https://www.rncm.ac.uk/short-conducting-courses/

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    


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Linz

rooms4groups has European Championship deals ready to go

December 11 • The hotel specialists have plenty of great deals for people heading to Linz for the European Championships next year.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd