*
banner

Gray to lead Conducting Weekend

Russell Gary will once again lead a special two level weekend conducting course with the Bathgate Band later this year.

Russell Gray
  Russell Gary will lead the course alongside Stuart Black

Russell Gray will host a Conducting Weekend later this year alongside the Bathgate Band.

It follows on from the success of the 2023 course 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 18th and 19th of May.

Two levels

Speaking to 4BR Russell said: "This continues the success of the course we held last year, with the Foundation Course being led by 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."

Main course

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.

Interested

If you are interested in attending the course at either level, please contact:

Russell Gray: rusgray@btinternet.com
Stuart Black: 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    


Black Dyke Band

Plaudit crescendo for Black Dyke Proms appearance

July 21 • Fans and critics alike have joined in a chorus of plaudits and congratulations for Black Dyke Band's BBC Proms appearance alongside soloist David Childs.


Edward

Richard Fife Award won by tuba player

July 21 • Tredegar tuba player Edward Falloon is the 2026 winner of the prestigious Richard Fice Solo competition.


Wright and Round

Wright and Round: Say a Little Prayer (Burt Bacharach arr. Ray Farr)

July 21 • A classic bit of easy listening 1960s magic for any concert programme.


City of Bristol

New leadership roles at City of Bristol

July 21 • Mark Dallas and Andrew Read take on new roles to help push Bristol band forward.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

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


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd