*
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    


Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Coverage: North West Regionals Championships

February 23 • Coverage of the 2025 North West Regionals championships from Winter Gardens, Blackpool.


Test Pieces

4BR Area coverage

February 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox has confirmed a different approach to coverage of the Regional Championship events.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups

February 21 • The bands will put their final preparations in place ahead of their performances in Blackpool on Sunday.


John Wallace

Wallace presented with SBBA Outstanding Achievement Award

February 21 • John Wallace CBE has been presented with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd