*
banner

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.

aobba
  The four musicians will be mentored by Aobba Executive member Nicholas Garman

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has linked up with Kapitol Promotions to provide an Adjudicators' Experience Day at the forthcoming Cheltenham National Finals.

Ben Brickles, Thomas Dunne, Stephanie Dyer and Daniel Hutchins will join AoBBA mentor Nicholas Garman, on Sunday 14th September to take part in a workshop covering score preparation, the PAC (Performance Assessment Criteria) code, contest paperwork and contest preparation.

Own judgements

The quartet will also undertake their own adjudications for half of the Section 3 contest, meeting the official adjudicators before taking part in a brief Q&A session.

Ben is a graduate of the University of Huddersfield and is also the MD of Barnsley Brass. Thomas is a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and a PhD researcher at Cardiff University School of Social Science. He is the MD Lydney Town Band.

Stephanie is a music graduate of King's College, Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music. She is a former principal trombonist of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Daniel is currently a composition student at the Royal College of Music and cornet player with GUS Band.

Shadowing

It was also confirmed that AoBBA Development Members Danny Brooks and Melissa Smith will take part in a shadow adjudication with mentor Martin Heartfield as part of the Development Programme in Section 1.

For more information, visit: www.aobba.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    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd