*
banner

Gray to lead conducting course in Livingston

Russell Gray will join forces with the Bathgate Band organisation and Stuart Black to run a special weekend conducting course — and you can book your place on it.

Russell Gray
  Russell Gray will lead the course which is aimed at two levels of conducting experience

There is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the art of conducting from Russell Gray, as the Scotsman hosts a special course in April.

It will be held in association with the Bathgate Band organisation and will see the Yamaha artist oversea two levels of workshop tuition — one for established conductors wishing to extend their conducting skill sets and one as foundation level for those wishing to start on a conducting career or brush up on fundamental skills.

It will be held in Livingston on the 29th and 30th of April.

Two levels

Speaking to 4BR Russell said: "It will be four year since I last held a course like this and its great to be able to work again with conductors.

The Foundation Course is being led in parallel with the experienced conductor Stuart Black and the Bathgate Youth Band. We will look to really put the foundation blocks in place for conductors wishing to start a conducting career or just want to ensure their basic techniques are correct. It's open to everyone regardless of experience and is about building confidence."

He added: "The main course is aimed at more experienced conductors who wish to improve on their skill sets in technique and understanding, rehearsal confidence and planning. We will be working with the senior Bathgate Band. It's more detailed and forensic, but still plenty of fun."

The course will finish with a concert in the Howden Park Performing Arts Centre where all delegates from both courses present and conduct a piece.

The course will finish with a concert in the Howden Park Performing Arts Centre where all delegates from both courses present and conduct a pieceRussell Gray

Join us

Russell added: "The Bathgate Band premises offers a great facility, Stuart is a superb communicator and we have already had people sign up from Italy and Japan to come over and enjoy the experience.

Places are limited, but there is room for a few more. So, if you are interested just drop us a line. It will be great to welcome everyone."

Contact:

Contact: Russell Gray at: rusgray@btinternet.com
Stuart Black at: sblack.flugel@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    


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

December 26 • How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Dobcross Silver Band

December 29 • We are accepting applications for a 2nd BARITONE PLAYER after the Area contest in March.. As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Come and join our great Euph/Bari section!


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd