*
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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd