The Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) is delighted to announce the 2026 edition of our flagship Conducting Competition.
The event is open to conductors of all levels, aged 16+ who make their living primarily outside the conducting sphere.
Cost of Entry is initially £60 GBP (or £48 for current BBCA members). A further fee of £60 GBP (or £48 for current BBCA members) will be charged to those who have been shortlisted (and wish to proceed) to the live semi-final. This fee must be paid
by 20th May 2026 at the latest, and a finalists’ entry form completed.
In the first instance, candidates are asked to submit video entries by midday on Thursday 9th April 2026. 10 semi-finalists will be invited to take part in the final competition day at Halifax Minster on Saturday 20th June.
BBCA President Russell Gray, commented:
“The BBCA executive members work tirelessly to create an event that is not only supportive and friendly but provides a wonderful opportunity for aspiring conductors to make their mark on the world of British style brass banding. We have top class bands to work with during the semi-final and final and adjudicators with exceptional insight into the art of conducting who give expert feedback.”
Alongside a cash prize, the winner will receive an invite to work alongside Russell conducting Foden's Band at their high-profile pre-National Final concert at Regent Hall in London.
What's involved?
Those who reach the final competition day following the short-listing process, will conduct a 15-minute rehearsal of Hammonds Band on either of the set pieces. The competitors will draw to see which of the 2 works they will work on that day. They will be closely observed by the two adjudicators. The Adjudicators will be announced shortly, and the 2 pieces to be prepared will be announced in March.
These will be available for purchase worldwide as downloadable PDFs. Following this, five of the conductors will be selected to progress to the final, which will consist of a rehearsal and performance with Elland Band as part of the evening's
gala concert.
All semi-finalists will receive feedback from the adjudication panel on their conducting skills. BBCA members who don’t reach the semi final stage will receive feedback on their videos from the shortlisting panel.
Tips:
Listen to Russell Gray as he passes on his tips for preparing videos for conducting competitions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrD1V44HpxA