*
banner

RNCM offers Brass Band conducting masterclasses

A specific two day brass and wind band conducting masterclass is being offered at the RNCM in November — with works by Vaughan Williams and Wilby plus a new wind band version of 'Contest Music' to study.

RNCM
  There is a chance to study some great music at the RNCM on the courses

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester has announced that applications are now being sought for their forthcoming conducting masterclasses and short courses.

They are designed to provide a structured series of workshops throughout the year aimed at those working in music education, or studying to do so.

Wind and brass band

The specific wind and brass masterclass on 9th & 10th November, is aimed at those who conduct brass and wind bands.

As well as working with RNCM ensembles, these will also feature the KNDS Fairey Band who will play alongside members of the RNCM Brass Band in a session on 'Variations for Brass Band' by Vaughan Williams and 'Paganini Variations' by Philip Wilby.

On the second day, the RNCM Wind Orchestra will be the ensemble when the repertoire will feature be a brand-new version of Wilfred Heaton's 'Contest Music', recently completed by Paul Hindmarsh.

KNDS Fairey and Contest Music

Speaking to 4BR, Professor Mark Heron, Head of Conducting at the RNCM, said: "The RNCM conducting programmes are regarded as some of the finest in the world, and it's a great pleasure to have the KNDS Fairey Band involved in this season's programme alongside Manchester Camerata and our own RNCM groups.

I'm also looking forward to road-testing Paul Hindmarsh's new version of 'Contest Music' and seeing how the music sounds in a different orchestration."

I'm also looking forward to road-testing Paul Hindmarsh's new version of 'Contest Music' and seeing how the music sounds in a different orchestrationMark Heron

Further workshops

In addition to the brass band sessions there are workshops with Derbyshire County Wind Band in October, a day with RNCM student ensembles in January, and an orchestral workshop with a youth orchestra in the spring. Participants also receive video feedback on their work with their own ensembles.

Application details can be found at: https://www.rncm.ac.uk/short-conducting-courses/

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


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


Alwyn Green

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd