*
banner

Finalists announced for Conducting Competition

Twelve finalists will compete in Eccles for the Brass Band Conductors' Association flagship title.

BBCA
  The competition takes place on Saturday 17th June

The Brass Band Conductors' Association has announced the line-up of twelve conductors who will now go forward to the semi-final round of its flagship competition.

It follows a first-round adjudication of video entries from across the banding world — the highlights of those making it through can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bihgilxs3nQ

Neil Brownless, Matthew Ryan, Tom Hancock, Rita Arendz, Alistair Gibson, Stefano Giacomelli, Luca Pasqua, Rokas Podelis, Oliver Hallstead-Brooks, Neil Bowden, Kyle Blake and Andrew Lofthouse will now progress to the Yamaha sponsored semi-final on Saturday 17th June to be held at Eccles Town Hall.

Six finalists

Each conductor will rehearse the Hammonds Band on either 'The World Rejoicing' by Edward Gregson or 'Sounds' by John Golland. They will be assessed by adjudicators Paul Holland and Mareika Gray, with six conductors going through to the evening's final where they will conduct Eccles Borough Band.

BBCA Chairperson, James Holt told 4BR: "It's fantastic that our competition attracts worldwide high-class interest.

This is an outstanding opportunity for them to work with fine ensembles and I'm sure it will be a great day for those involved."

This is an outstanding opportunity for them to work with fine ensembles and I'm sure it will be a great day for those involvedBBCA Chairperson, James Holt

Free to enjoy

Those wishing to watch the semi-finalists in action are welcome (11.00am to 3.00pm and the evening Gala Concert at 7.30pm) can come along to Eccles Town Hall.

The first half of the concert will see the six finalists leading the band through their final piece before the band will be led by BBCA Executive President Russell Gray. Entry is free with a retiring collection.

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


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd