*
banner

Business as usual for Withington

Allan Withington talks exclusively to 4BR about the Norwegian Nationals, his Conductors Summer School and 'business as usual' at Grimethorpe.

Withington
 

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

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    


Simon Gresswell

Gresswell takes baton at Dronfield

June 9 • Simon Gresswell has been appointed the new MD at Dronfield Band.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

June 9 • Join presenter Martin Upfold for more great brass band music over the airwaves


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd