The 4th Annual SBBA Conductors' Weekend Workshop

Published in Events on 2014-02-19 by Empty Chairs

More news from SBBA

On Apr 5th 2014, 5th and 6th April 2014 at SBBA Offices, 12 Fairbairn Road, Livingston, EH54 6TS

The Scottish Brass Band Association is delighted to announce details of the 2014 SBBA Conductors’ Weekend Workshops.  Following the success of the previous 3 years, there will three different two-day workshops running concurrently over the weekend.

The Advanced Conductors’ Workshops will be led by Russell Gray with The Coalburn Silver Band.

The Youth Band Conductors’ Workshops will be led by Gareth Bowman with The Coalburn Bronze Band.

The Less Experienced & New Conductors’ Workshops will be led by Nigel Boddice MBE, also with The Coalburn Bronze Band.

The three courses will take place on Saturday 5th April - Sunday 6th April at the SBBA Offices, 12 Fairbairn Road, Livingston, EH54 6TS, commencing at 10.00am and concluding at 5.00pm each day. 

The fees for the three courses are £80.00 for the Advanced Conductors’ Workshops, £40.00 for the Youth Band Conductors’ Workshops and £40.00 for the Less Experienced & New Conductors’ Workshops.  These fees include refreshments and a buffet lunch on both days.

Positive Feedback Shapes 2014 Approach

In a positive reaction to the constructive feedback from previous years, the 2014 Advanced Conductors’ Workshops led this year by esteemed conductor Russell Gray, will concentrate on the many ‘day to day practicalities’ of conducting a brass band such as accompanying a soloist, conducting hymn tunes well, preparing a band for a concert and preparing a band for a contest, as well a variety of other techniques of great value to the more advanced brass band conductors.

The Youth Band Conductors’ Workshops will focus on aspects of training, repertoire and motivation for youth bands of all levels and ages, and the Less Experienced & New Conductors’ Workshops will focus around baton technique and give many conducting tips and advice for new and inexperienced brass band conductors.
With three tailored conductors’ workshops being offered this year we hope to attract more candidates to take part in whichever area is suitable for their own level of conducting experience - from advanced brass band conductors through to new conductors.

Limited Spaces – Secure Your Place

Due to the tailored, ‘hands-on’ nature of the weekend, available spaces are limited in numbers, so it is highly recommended that you register your place as soon as possible by contacting Andrew Duncan, Development Manager, Scottish Brass Band Association (andrewduncan@sbba.org.uk)
All three workshops conclude on Sunday 6th of April with a short open rehearsal from 4.00pm to 5.00pm, and members of the public are welcome to attend for a nominal entry fee of £3.

The workshops, partly funded by Creative Scotland through the Youth Music Initiative, have proven to offer valuable instruction and insight, with extremely positive feedback received from past attendees.

Working Concert Finale

Both workshops conclude on Sunday 6th April with a short open rehearsal as part of the afternoon workshop sessions.  The open rehearsal begins at 4.00pm and members of the general public are also welcome to attend this session for a nominal entry charge of just £3.00.  This draws the busy weekend to a close by approximately 5.00pm.
The workshops, partly funded by Creative Scotland funding through the Youth Music Initiative, have proven to offer valuable instruction and insight, with extremely positive feedback received from past attendees.  Please make sure you reserve your place as soon as possible by contacting Andrew Duncan (andrewduncan@sbba.org.uk) for further details and to be part of this productive and inspirational weekend.