Conductors' Competition 2008 In Association with Virtuosi
Following the success of previous events, the National Association of Brass Band Conductors is holding another conductors' competition this year. As in previous years, it will take the form of a series of heats and a final, the winner of which will receive a prize of £1000, a trophy, and the title 'NABBC Conductor of 2008'. £500 will be awarded to the second prize and £200 to the third prize. Previous winners include Richard Evans and Frank Renton.
The final will be held on 21st June at Unity College, Northampton, NN2 6JW. It will be open to the public, tickets will cost £5 each and will be available at the door.
The final starts at 1:30 with an afternoon session that will see each candidate rehearsing the world-renowned Virtuosi GUS Band on a major brass band work. There are three works from the best of the brass band repertoire; each will be conducted by two of the candidates.
During the tea break, the adjudicators will interview the candidates.
The evening session will commence at 6:30 when, following a short sight reading test, the candidates will conduct the band in a concert performance of the work that they rehearsed during the afternoon.
Following the completion of the competition, the Virtuosi GUS Band, under its conductor John Berryman, will give a short concert prior the announcement of the results.
Three qualifying heats were held across the country
during March and April 2008. Winners of the heats received £100, runner-ups received
£50; both will receive an invitation to
take part in the final. Each heat was restricted to six competitors.
- The Midlands heat was held on Sunday 30th March 2008 with the Newstead Band. The winner was Matthew Pollard, the runner-up was Graham Jacklin.
- The S. W. of England heat was held on 5th April 2008 with the Portishead Town Band. The winner was Jef Sparkes, the runner-up was Paul Jenkins with the 3rd place (reserve for the final) going to Kelly Crandell. The photograph shows Lt. Col Chris Davies (judge); Eric Heath (area 4 chairman); Nigel Horne (organiser); Paul Jenkins (runner-up); Jef Sparkes (winner); Syndey Swancott (organiser); Dr. Roy Newsome (judge). Thanks to Maria Fricker for the photograph.
- The North of England heat was held on 6th April 2008 with the Lindley Band. The winner was David Johnson, the runner-up was Chris Andrews with the 3rd place (reserve for the final) going to Gareth Westwood.
Congratulations to all the prize-winners and thanks to all the bands.
The competition is open to anyone aged 21 or over who is not a professional level conductor.
The competition is held in association with Virtuosi.
During each round the contestant studied sections of three well known brass band scores; on the day of the competition's heats the contestant rehearsed the band for around 25 minutes on one of the pieces.
Rules (updated 6th January 2008)