The National Association of Brass Band Conductors (NABBC) has announced its fifth National Conducting Competition.

The final will take place on 13th June at Eccles Town Hall following the Association's Annual General Meeting.

Winner

4BR has been informed that the winner will receive the chance to conduct a leading band, in addition to receiving a year's free membership of the NABBC. Previous winners include Josh Geddes, Mark Edwards and Brendan Breslin, who have used the contest to launch successful careers in conducting.

Applications are invited from conductors of all standards across the brass band world and beyond working with bands and groups at any level.

The contest will consist of three rounds; the first inviting applicants to submit a conducting CV and video performance of themselves working with an ensemble. These will be assessed by a panel of leading conductors.

Example video

An example of a video of the type expected to be submitted can be seen below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AHUsSYzxsQ

12 semi-finalists will be selected to perform either 'A Tale As Yet Untold (Philip Sparke) or 'Dynasty' (Peter Graham) with the Championship Section Rainford Band at Eccles Town Hall.

Six finalists will be chosen to go through to the final round consisting of public rehearsal time and an evening concert with the Eccles Borough Band.

Each finalist will present and perform their piece during the first half of the concert. The adjudicators will deliberate on their decision during the second half while Eccles provides concert entertainment.

Important event

NABBC President, Russell Gray told 4BR: "I'm delighted we are able to run this competition again. Every year it gets bigger and it has now become an important event internationally for emerging conductors.

I would love to see more British conductors stepping forward, so I encourage anyone interested to enter. It's also a great way to network with other conductors and receive positive feedback from a professional panel of judges."

Applicants must be over 18 and be an active conductor of an ensemble. It should be noted that there is no stipulation or requirement that their ensemble should be a brass band.

Successful applicants must provide their own scores for the first part of the final and make their own travel arrangements. They must also supply a short CV of their conducting experience, as well as provide a video (5-10 minutes) of them rehearsing or performing with an ensemble.

I'm delighted we are able to run this competition again. Every year it gets bigger and it has now become an important event internationally for emerging conductorsRussell Gray

To enter

To enter, go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=70

Please note that entry to Round 1 of the contest costs £25 for NABBC members and £30 for non members, with a £100 balance payable for competitors who qualify for the Final round on 13 June 2020.

To join the NABBC please visit https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=10

The closing date for entries is Friday 24th April, with the 12 semi-finalists notified by 15th May.