*
banner

Adjudicator's test-piece, percussion and conducting workshop details confirmed

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators have confirmed the details of their Area test piece workshops.

sCORE
  The Area test piece day is aimed at everyone who wants to find out more about the set-works

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has confirmed the details of their forthcoming annual 'Test-Piece Workshop'.

The event on Sunday 20th January will cover the Area test-pieces for the Second, Third and Fourth Sections with in-depth analysis, tips for performance preparation and valuable insights into the adjudicator's thoughts on each work at Boarshurst Band Room, Greenbridge Lane, Oldham (OL3 7EW).

Percussion and conducting workshops

The Association is offering both a Percussion Workshop and Conducting Workshop for any interested musicians wishing to improve their skills.

Spokesperson Sarah Groarke-Booth told 4BR: "The Percussion Workshop will be led by Simone Rebello and will focus on the Area test-piece requirements as well as exploring the range of techniques needed to traverse the percussion parts found in modern brass band repertoire.

Conducting workshop

Meanwhile, the Conducting Workshop with Unite the Union Band under MD John Roberts is open to conductors wishing to improve on baton technique and explore rehearsal strategies.

It is also ideal for those who want to take up the baton for the first time — in particular, members of the banding community who are rather under-represented in the conducting field such as female conductors."

This workshop will be run by Sarah Groarke-Booth. Although open to all, places will be limited to allow participants to try out their skills in a full rehearsal situation.

Interested?

Interested parties should contact Sarah at pro@aobba.com

The event is free of charge to all participants and should prove to be a productive and stimulating day.

Further details will be published over the coming weeks — including venue, presenters and exact timetabling.

The event is free of charge to all participants and should prove to be a productive and stimulating dayAoBBA

Timetable

The timetable for the event is as follows:

Fourth Section: 10.30am — 11.30am
Third Section: 11.45am — 12.45pm

Percussion Workshop: 12.45pm — 1.45pm
Conducting Workshop: 1.45pm — 3.00pm

Second Section: 3.15pm — 4.15pm

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    


Tredegar

Buckley celebrations at heart of Tredegar concert

March 25 • The musical lives of Brian Buckley and his son Richard will be marked at a special concert this weekend in Swansea.


Philip Sparke

Dutch National Championship headed by Sparke

March 25 • 'Perihelion: Closer to the Sun' will test the top section bands at this year's Dutch National Championships.


Mark Glover

Glover fits Sterling relaunch

March 25 • Sterling Musical Instruments has welcomed euphonium player Mark Glover to its roster of Performance Artists, following the relaunch of the brand.


Morton

Morton takes Desford baton

March 25 • David Morton is set to strengthen ties with National Champion by becoming Musical Director.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Back row cornet vacancy. . Instrument available


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • Percussion - kit vacancy. . Pearl & mapex kits available . Own bandroom, no additional setting up between rehearsals


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

March 24 • 2nd Euphonium vacancy. . Flexible rehearsals available to support band-home life balance


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd