*
banner

Farr to lead new Bandmaster Course

Durham University has announced a new Bandmaster Course(A Masters degree in Performance)to be led by Ray Farr.

Farr
 

Following the success and popularity of the part time Conductor’s Course, Durham University has announced a new Bandmaster Course.

This is designed especially for band musicians (brass, and percussion players) who wish to devote time to further study without giving up their day job.

The course will be a one-day per week for one-year.

Requirements

Entry requirement is by audition (on the applicant’s main instrument) with an interview where qualifications, abilities and experience will be taken account. Applicants will be required to send a statement on their musical experience.

The new Bandmaster Course will focus on a range of subjects including: Conducting, Instrumental playing, Arranging, aural training, research and theory4BR

Final exam

Students will work towards a final examination (in June), which combines a concert performance on their instrument, conducting, and arrangements with accompanying written work and portfolio.

The new Bandmaster Course will focus on a range of subjects including: Conducting, Instrumental playing, Arranging, aural training, research and theory.

Masterclasses

There will be regular masterclasses with the University Brass Band in Residence and frequent guest lecturers.

Students would travel to Durham early on a Tuesday morning, attend scheduled classes, masterclasses and workshops and travel home the same evening.

More information

A certain amount of homework would be expected for written assignments, score study, practice and research. Regular communications and discussions would be carried out “on-line”.

For more information on the course and fees please contact:

Ray Farr
ray.farr@durham.ac.uk

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    


Darwen Brass

Darwen appeal success for National Championships

May 9 • The band's successful final appeal sees then head to Cheltenham later this year as North West Regional Champion.


euro

Report & Result: 2025 European Conductor Competition

May 8 • Jaap Musschenga of The Netherlands wins the first European title of the weekend in Stavanger.


Gevena

Geneva offers two free tickets for Euros in Stavanger

May 6 • If you are quick off the mark in Stavanger on Friday then you can get your hands on two tickets for all the main attractions for the weekend — but you must bring a mouthpiece.


Town Hall

New era for Spring Festival with Birmingham move

May 6 • The British Open Spring Festival will be held in Birmingham in 2026.


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


Dobcross Silver Band - Glossop Old Band

Sunday 11 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Olney Brass

May 8 • Ambitious and friendly L&SC 2nd section contesting band, based in Newport Pagnell (near to jnct 14, M1) currently seeking the following players: CORNETS (solo cornets desired, positions negotiable), Eb BASS, FLUGELHORN, PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM.


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • 1st horn position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd