The recent SBBA Conducting Course led by Russell Gray and Stuart Black saw 24 willing participants take their turn on the rostrum at Livingston's Howden Centre for an inspirational day of tutorship.

Funded by SBBA and Creative Scotland the event was rounded off by a concert featuring Bathgate Youth and Senior Bands who had provided essential musical support throughout.

Foundation course

Stuart led a foundation course for beginners alongside the excellent youth band, while Russell took a class for more advanced conductors with the accomplished senior outfit, with the pair delighted to be able to renew a project that had been temporarily stopped by Covid-19.

"This was our busiest course yet," Stuart told 4BR. "We were over-subscribed this year and so have had to initiate a waiting list for next year. It really shows how people are really interested in broadening their musical experience."

Delegates

Delegates, aged from 14 to the more seasoned brass banders came from not just the UK, but also Japan and Italy, emphasising the range of interest that exists in learning the art of conducting.

Russell pointed out that the focus of the course was on baton technique — what he called "the language of gesture" — and rehearsal planning and execution.

As author of the Messanoic Method, he touched on this to explain how it was an important part of any musical director's toolkit in applying building blocks to more cohesive ensemble playing.

"The method is designed to help ensembles develop a sense of togetherness in the way they respond to the music they see in front of them, helping them to cultivate a kind of hive mindset; thinking as one," he said.

The method is designed to help ensembles develop a sense of togetherness in the way they respond to the music they see in front of them, helping them to cultivate a kind of hive mindset; thinking as oneRussell Gray

So worthwhile

One of Russell's delegates was Gareth Sykes, of North Lakes Brass in Keswick, who said: "I've been waiting for this since before the pandemic — but it has all been so worthwhile."

Russell had just returned from the UK where he helped prepare three bands — Princeton Brass Band, Atlantic Brass and San Francisco Brass Band for the recent North American National Championships.

The foundation course learners directed the Bathgate Youth Band while the advanced students led the senior Bathgate Band.

Great time

Euphonium and bass player Jordan Tweedie, who has been conducting Dumfries Town Band, attended the foundation course to learn the basics of stick technique, and added: "A big thanks to Stuart Black and Russell Gray for this amazing course," he said.

"I've had a great time, both conducting and playing, and can't wait for the next one."