*
banner

New trainees join Adjudicator Association

Four new musicians will start their professional training to become full members of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.

AoBBA
  Four new trainees and one new full member have been appointed

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has announced several new trainee adjudicators as well as the appointment of a new full member.

Stephanie Binns, Darren Hawken, Alan Hobbins and Nicholas Sanders, all with experience within the brass band movement, will commence their two-year training programme in September and will be involved in live adjudications in conjunction with official AoBBA adjudicators.

Meanwhile, Gavin Saynor, who currently plays with Black Dyke Band becomes a full member with immediate effect.

Range of backgrounds

Speaking to 4BR, Martin Heartfield, Head of Trainee Adjudicator Programme commented: "We welcome the new members to the association and continue to support new applications from a range of backgrounds."

The development of the AoBBA training scheme has seen a growing number of musicians gain full membership after undertaking an extensive two year period of proactive professional development.

Professional development

AoBBA Secretary Nicholas Garman added: "The latest appointees are the first to be accepted as part of our latest recruitment drive and demonstrate our commitment to continual professional development as a core part of our work."

The latest appointees are the first to be accepted as part of our latest recruitment drive and demonstrate our commitment to continual professional development as a core part of our workAoBBA

Further information

Anyone interested in joining the Association should contact Martin Heartfield (Head of Trainee Adjudicator Programme) by email at musicbloke@aol.com .

Application forms can be downloaded on the AoBBA website: https://aobba.com/about-us/apply-for-membership/

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 Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET 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,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd