*
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    


wobplay

Support boosts new Wobplay tenure

August 6 • Nicki Tonge and Adam Goldsmith grateful for the continued support of global subscribers as World of Sound, World of Brass and wobplay look towards future.


NYBBWales

Orbital gets Welsh Youth launch

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will include Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in their ambitious summer course concerts repertoire.


UnIbRASS

Entries open for UniBrass Composition Competition

August 6 • The 2027 UniBrass Foundation's Composition Competition is now open — with an Oxford feel theme.


Blackford

Orbital set for publishing take-off

August 5 • The acclaimed major work from composer Richard Blackford will be available for bands to purchase from 4th September.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd