Allan Withington has spoken exclusively to 4BR about his plans for 2009.

The conductor talks about the forthcoming Norwegian Nationals with Stavanger, his ground breaking Conductors Summer School, as well as his desire to keep 'business as usual' at Grimethorpe.

Ground breaking

The MD reveals plans for the ground breaking Conductors Summer School in Leeuwarden in Holland.

During the Autumn of last year Allan was a guest lecturer in Groningen, Holland and Berne and Lucerne in Switzerland, helping conducting students with basic technique and ways of expressing their musical wishes.

From this he has designed his very own innovative approach to help the new generation of brass band conductors.

Develop skills

The course will be held in Leeuwarden, Parnas in Holland (about an hour and a half drive from Amsterdam) between the 29th June and 3rd July, and is aimed at offering conductors a chance to further develop their conducting skills with emphasis on technique, score reading, rehearsal and performing techniques, creative programme planning and exploration of new musical territory.

In fact, Allan tells 4BR that emphasis will be on the creative side, helping students to push existing `boundaries`.

Allan tells 4BR that emphasis will be on the creative side, helping students to push existing 'boundaries'4BR

Students

All students will have the chance to take part in the final concert and Soli Brass will be on hand to act as rehearsal band for the students and also for concert performances.

The course is open to all nationalities and all age groups and transport will be provided to and from Schiphol International airport.

Interest

There has already been a great deal of interest in the course so the organisers encourage people to enroll early.

The cost is 350 Euro and the fee will include all tuition, accomodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, transport to and from Schiphol airport and all cost of postage and course material which will be sent out 1 month before the start of the course.

Applications

Applications, together with an up to date CV should be received by the 15th March, and sent to:

Allan Withington: 54c, 5222 Nesttun, Norway or e mail a.withing@c2i.net

or to: Anja Abma: Tsjerkebuorren 56, 8843 KE, Spannum, Holland
e-mail: anja.abma@home.nl