Following the success of previous events, the National Association of Brass Band Conductors is holding another conductors' competition this year.

As in previous years, it will take the form of a series of heats and a final, the winner of which will receive a prize of £1000, a trophy, and the title 'NABBC Conductor of 2008'.

£500 will be awarded to the second prize and £200 to the third prize. Previous winners include Richard Evans and Frank Renton.

The competition is open to anyone aged 21 or over who is not a professional level conductorNABBC

Qualifying heats

Three qualifying heats were held across the country during March and April 2008.

Winners of the heats received £100, runner-ups received £50; both will receive an invitation to take part in the final. Each heat is restricted to six competitors.

Midlands

The Midlands heat was held on Sunday 30th March with the Newstead Band. The winner was Matthew Pollard, the runner-up was Graham Jacklin.

South West of England

The South West of England heat was held on 5th April with the Portishead Town Band. The winner was Jef Sparkes, the runner-up was Paul Jenkins with the 3rd place (reserve for the final) going to Kelly Crandell.

North of England

The North of England heat was held on 6th April with the Lindley Band. The winner was David Johnson, the runner-up was Chris Andrews with the 3rd place (reserve for the final) going to Gareth Westwood.

Congratulations from NABBC went to all the prizewinners and thanks to all the bands, all of which did a splendid job.

Open

The competition is open to anyone aged 21 or over who is not a professional level conductor.

The competition is held in association with Virtuosi Brass.

During each round the contestant studied sections of three well known brass band scores; on the day of the competition's heats the contestant rehearsed the band for around 25 minutes on one of the pieces.

The bands during the heats are all at least first section standard, and we are pleased to announce that the finalists will be rehearsing the world famous Virtuosi GUS Band on 21st June in Northampton.

Final details

Further details of the final will be announced here.

The final will be open to the public, contact Nigel Horne, Nigel.horne@nabbc.org.uk for the availability of tickets.