*
banner

2024 4BR Conductor of the Year

These were the top three MDs who created the performances to savour in the past year for our panel.

Conductor of the Year
  Paul Holland claims the award after inspiring his band to new heights in 2024

Winner: Paul Holland


2. Frederic Theodoloz

3. Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

A wonderful way to round off an outstanding year for Paul Holland as he claims his first '4BR Conductor of the Year' award with 9 first choice nominations from the panel.

2024 not only saw him lead Flowers to a historic National Championship of Great Britain title, but they were only narrowly pipped by Brass Band Treize Etoile at the British Open.
Victories at the West of England Championship (their first since 2019) and the French Open were added to by his inventive musical vision that also brought a podium finish at Brass in Concert.

In addition he inspired Tertnes to an excellent fourth place finish at the Norwegian National Championships and Schoonhoven to a slightly more contentious third place at the Dutch Nationals later in the year.

All that and he had time in a busy freelance schedule for course tutoring and a few other things too.

Runner-up is last year's winner Frederic Theodoloz for a 2024 which he was also seen with the baton in Stavanger to go with his leadership of Treize Etoiles whom he led to Euroepan and British Open success. He picked up 4 first choice nominations.

One of the rising stars of the elite level banding movement in Katrina Marzella-Wheeler is a well-deserved third, picking up top 3 nominations from six members of the panel.

Panel:

The Awards Panel consisted of: Iwan Fox (4BR Editor); Malcolm Wood (4BR); Chris Thomas (4BR & BBW); Gordon Simpson (brass band statistician); Anne Crookston (conductor/adjudicator); Sarah Groarke-Booth (conductor/adjudicator); Alexander Zwann (conductor/journalist); Jess Tredrea (conductor/musician); Tim Mutum (brass band historian); Tom Davoren (conductor/composer); Michael Franz (Editor Brass Band News Switzerland); Henk Van Loon (Editor CU Brass); Stein Skorpholm (broadcaster/musician); Camila Soderstrom Tveit (musician/adjudicator); Philippa Edwards AOM (conductor/performing arts producer)

2024 not only saw him lead Flowers to a historic National Championship of Great Britain title, but they were only narrowly pipped by Brass Band Treize Etoile at the British Open4BR

Past Winners:

2023: Frederic Theodoloz
2022: Russell Gray
2021: Arsene Duc
2020: Philip Harper
2019: Philip Harper
2018: Arsene Duc
2017: Ingar Bergby
2016: Philip Harper
2015: Philip Harper
2014: Nicholas Childs
2013: Philip Harper
2012: Allan Withington
2011: David King
2010: Ian Porthouse
2009: Robert Childs
2008: Robert Childs
2007: Allan Withington
2006: Allan Withington
2005: Nicholas Childs
2004: Ray Farr
2003: David King
2002: Russell Gray
2001: David King

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    


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Gala Theatre

Durham focus for North of England Area contenders

March 19 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and York later in the year.


Stevanage

Bands get ready for London & SC Area challenges

March 19 • Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre will host 76 bands battling for National Finals qualification this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd