About The Association
An association of conductors, run by conductors, that seeks to promote, support and develop the skills and expertise of its members.
The National Association of Brass Band Conductors was founded in 1946 with the sole intention of promoting the interest of its members by providing an effective organisation by which conferences, workshops and other activities could be arranged. Thus by lectures, discussions and demonstrations the musical progress of its members could be fostered.
Into the 21st century and the Association is still endeavouring to pursue these aims. Nationally, there is an annual convention weekend which incorporates the Association's Annual General Meeting and in the Regional areas meetings with guest speakers and workshops give fellowship with other conductors at the same time as providing help and instruction. The convention is open to all members and non-members alike.
The association has members at all stages of their careers from those who are yet to wield a baton and need a mentor to help guide them, to those at the very top of the movement. We continue to welcome new members at all levels.
The Association has a correspondence course designed to give conductors, and aspiring conductors, a basic grounding in the rudiments of music, intermediate and advanced harmony and arranging.
As a Conductors' Association, we have a substantial library of music, from which conductors have the opportunity to borrow scores and parts. Many of the pieces that make up the library have been donated by members past and present, and it includes music bequeathed to The Association in wills. If you wish to borrow music, or are considering donating or leaving music to us, please contact the Honorary Secretary.
The Association publishes a quarterly magazine The Conductor which is sent to all members and contains articles and information of help to all conductors.
We make a point of welcoming all, whether beginner or top personality. Status has no boundaries, we are all 'CONDUCTORS'.
The Association's ultimate aim is to attract and make welcome all conductors of brass bands in the United Kingdom into its membership, and to be the leading voice of experience for all conductors in the brass band movement. We aim to assist all members in their musical and conducting education, by means of presentations, seminars and workshops. Our aim is to break down the experience barriers and hold discussion without segregation.
To join, please print out an application form, fill it in, and send it, along with any supporting documentation and a cheque for a year's subscription, to your nearest regional secretary whose address can be found on the regions page. If in doubt, please send to the National Secretary, however this may incur a delay in your application.
Applications must be accompanied by two sponsors, their names should be filled in (signatures and printed names) on the relevant place on the form. For all applications, apart from student membership, both sponsors must be members of The Association. For student applications, one of the sponsors may be the Head of Music at your place of learning. If you don't think you know any suitable sponsors, but would still like to join, please contact the National Secretary before applying, he will be able to offer advice.
Since all applications need to be ratified both locally and nationally the application process can take some time, please be patient. If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the National Secretary.
Mr. E J Howard
Hon. Sec. NABBC
30 Havant Rd
Horndean
Waterlooville
Hampshire
PO8 0DT
Only applications that have been made using the application form provided will be accepted. Your details will be held on a computer and will NOT be passed on to any third party. If you wish to know the details of the data held please contact the Membership Secretary.
| Full Time Membership (current or past conductors) | £30 |
| Associate Membership (aspiring conductors) | £30 (Qualifiers for this section receive all benefits but cannot vote) |
| Students in full time education and Senior Citizens | £15 |
Bands wishing to advertise a vacancy should contact Nigel Horne. The list of band vacancies is available free of charge to all members.
As well as regional and national meetings, the Association also organises competitions for composers. This photograph, taken by Jeffrey Turner, shows the finalists of the 2000 competition: Iain Rayner, Nigel Horne, Cliff Ornsby and Eric Heath.
