BBCA 2025 Conducting Competition now open
The Brass Band Conductors’ Association's (BBCA’s) 2025 Conducting Competition is now open for entries. The annual competition is the BBCA's flagship event and is open to conductors of all levels, from anywhere in the world. Candidates are asked to submit their video entries by midday on Thursday 10 April for shortlisting, from which 10 semi-finalists will be invited to take part in the final competition day at Halifax Minster on Saturday 28 June.
Speaking of the event, BBCA President Russell Gray, commented: “I’m truly delighted to see our competition running again this year. 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 of the event and adjudicators with exceptional insights into the art of conducting who give expert feedback to all semi-finalists.
With a top prize of conducting the Foden’s Band at their high-profile concert in the Regent Hall in London and assisting me with their preparations for the British national finals at the Royal Albert Hall, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
I look forward to meeting our next winner. Don’t be shy, you will have a great time at the competition. It’s a great day.”
What’s involved?
Candidates submit their video entries for shortlisting by the BBCA panel for an invite to the live semi-final to be held at Halifax Minster. Those who reach the final competition day will conduct a 15-minute rehearsal of the top-ranking Hammonds Band on a section of the set pieces, closely observed by two adjudicators. Five conductors will then progress to the final, which will consist of a rehearsal and performance of a concert item as part of the evening’s gala concert.
All semi-finalists will receive feedback from the adjudication panel on their conducting skills. Non-shortlisted BBCA members will receive audio feedback on their videos.
Prizes for the event will include presentations to the top three finalists, a prize for the best UK-based participant, and a prize bundle for the winner including a year’s free BBCA membership, a cash prize of £200, and the opportunity to work in rehearsal and performance with a leading conductor and a Championship brass band. Last year’s winner, So Matsukawa had the opportunity to work with Russell Gray and Foden’s Band in their national championship preparations, and to conduct them at the Regent Hall on the eve of the Finals.
Top tips for preparing your video entry
Listen to Russell Gray as he passes on his tips for preparing videos for conducting competitions.
How can I enter?
The cost of entry into the competition is £50 for the video entry round, with an extra 20% discount for BBCA members. For those chosen to go through to the semi-final a further payment of £50 will be required, with BBCA members again eligible for a 20% discount. Anyone joining the Association when entering will be entitled to the discounted entry price. All funds raised go directly to support the competition.
Entry is open now via the events page of the Brass Bands England website. Email bbca@bbe.org.uk for more information.
BBCA is grateful to Yamaha for sponsorship of this event.
The Brass Band Conductors' Association (BBCA) is here to support and bring together conductors and those interested in picking up the baton from all over the world and is going from strength to strength. Membership of the BBCA includes free membership of Brass Bands England. Find out more about joining the BBCA.
Photo credit: Angus Gray