Conducting duo to judge conducting dozen

Paul Holland and Sarah Groarke-Booth will adjudicate the BBCA annual conducting competition final.

Sarah Groarke Booth and Paul Holland will judge the event

Wednesday, 12 April 2023

The Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) has announced that Paul Holland and Sarah Groarke-Booth will adjudicate its annual competition final.

The closing date has been extended to Tuesday 25th April to enable entrants to record their video presentations conducting a band or small ensemble (not necessarily brass) of no more than 15 minutes.

These will be judged by the BBCA Exec and shortlisted for the live competition.

Semi-finalists

Twelve short-listed semi-finalists will be invited to Eccles Town Hall in Greater Manchester on 17th June to work with the Hammonds Band on contest pieces, with six finalists rehearsing and conducting Eccles Borough Band on a concert programme to be performed in the evening Gala Concert.

Both Sarah and Paul are well known and respected within the brass band movement.

Mentoring

Speaking of the competition Sarah said: "I've conducted brass bands for three decades now and I still get a buzz when I walk into a rehearsal room full of players with a new score to explore.

I'm thrilled to observe up and coming conducting talent at this event and I wish there was a mentoring system to pass on ideas, techniques and support to emerging talent."

Meanwhile, Paul added: "I look forward to seeing the participants work with the Hammonds and Eccles Bands and to be able to provide some detailed and specific feedback that will hopefully be of some ongoing benefit to those who take part."

Flagship competition

BBCA Chairperson, James Holt took the opportunity to thank Sarah and Paul. "This is our flagship event and continues to grow from strength to strength.

I'm delighted that Sarah and Paul will provide feedback to those invited to attend on June 17th. We are also extremely grateful to our partners at Brass Bands England who continue to work closely with us to provide these excellent opportunities to the brass banding community."

I'm thrilled to observe up and coming conducting talent at this event and I wish there was a mentoring system to pass on ideas, techniques and support to emerging talentSarah Groarke Booth

Find out more

Find out more and enter the 2023 BBCA Conducting Competition. (BBCA member discounts apply). Join the BBCA.

Closing date: Midnight, Tuesday 25 April.

https://www.bbe.org.uk/news18012023-1340/bbca-2023-conducting-competition-now-open

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