*
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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Barnsley Brass

October 7 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


Rushden Town Band

October 6 • Bb bass - Following the relocation of our previous player, a Bb bass position has become available.


Sam Fisher

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd