*
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    


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Black Dyke Band

Tributes to Hammonds duo at Black Dyke

October 2 • The Black Dyke Band has paid tribute to Jon and Tim Hammond as they prepare to take their final contest bow with the Queensbury Band this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Nobody Does It Better - The Music of James Bond.

Saturday 3 October • St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Rugby CV21 3PT


Regent Hall Concerts - The Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 4 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd