*
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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd