*
banner

Withington to lead exploration of the state of mind

Allan Withington's 2023 Conducting Course will explore the psychological benefits music brings to the mind.

Withington
  Allan Withington will be leading the course

Allan Withington's 'Conductor Summer School' returns in 2023 with a typically innovative musical focus.

His 13th course, entitled 'It's a State of Mind', will take place in Leeuwarden in The Netherlands from the 8th to 13th July — offering six days of intensive rehearsals with 2021 Dutch National Champion Soli Brass.

The course which includes accommodation, meals, transport and materials, will concentrate on developing the conducting skill sets of delegates — from technique, rehearsal preparation and score reading to creative programme planning, people management, problem solving and performance psychology.

The pre-course focus will include extensive preparation work and introductions via the Zoom media platform with an initial session in March for delegates followed by a second in July.

Journey

Allan told 4BR: "The course title is subtitled "A Journey through Moods in Music"and I wish to explore the psychological benefits music making brings in reducing stress and depression whilst aiding memory improvement and motivation.

We all need to realise this and explore it further through different facets and genres of music."

He added: "I have an unbridled hunger to explore and learn for myself and with others, and I want to bring that out on the course. This is an exciting musical avenue for us all to examine together."

Find out more

To find out more contact: allanwithington@yahoo.no or Anja Abma at: anja.abma@gmail.com

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    


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Flowers

Media boost for Flowers after Linz triumph

April 29 • The Flowers Band are in media demand after being crowned European Champion — with a television spotlight tonight.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd