The full programme has been announced for this year’s Brass Band Conference, an unmissable opportunity for banders from across the country to learn, share and network.
This year’s event, speakers at which will include Sky Arts and RPS Award-winning composer Gavin Higgins and Arts Council England CEO Darren Henley, will be held on Saturday 7 October at The University of Huddersfield with the theme of Heritage and Innovation.
Conference programme
An impressive roster of 22 speakers will present talks, workshops and discussions throughout the day. Alongside a keynote speech from Gavin Higgins and an exclusive Question and Answer session with Darren Henley, delegates will be able to choose from a number of breakout sessions on themes such as programming contemporary music or staging music to film.
Case studies from Redhills Youth Band and Amersham Band will offer an opportunity to see new innovative projects in action, whilst guest speaker Professor Arnold Myers will provide an opportunity to learn more about brass band instruments and their development. The day will also offer the chance for a guided tour of the Brass Bands Archive, housed at the university's Heritage Quay site, as well as explore items from the collection.
A performance from Hepworth Band will premiére a brand new work from the winner of the Newmoon Young Composers Competition, plus achievements will be celebrated in the presentation of the Brass Bands England Awards. The day will end with a networking drinks reception at Heritage Quay.
Brass Band Conference tickets are now available to purchase from the Brass Bands England website.
Conference schedule
Morning
Coffee and networking
Keynote speech from Gavin Higgins
Breakout sessions:
- Redhills Youth Band: the past we inherit, the future we build
- Programming contemporary music
- Tour of the Brass Bands Archive
Exclusive Question and Answer session with Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England (ACE)
Afternoon
Lunch will be provided plus your chance to visit Conference exhibitors, network, and visit the Brass Bands Archive.
Performance: Hepworth Band will premiére the winning composition of the Newmoon Insurance Young Composers Competition
Presentation of the Brass Bands England Awards
Coffee break, exhibitor stands and networking
Breakout sessions:
- How to successfully stage music to film
- A community band room - how did we do it?
- Brass band instruments and their development
Panel discussion: what does the future of banding hold?
Featuring Nigel Stevens - CEO, Brass in Concert Festival; Andrea Price - percussionist, composer and educator, Chetham's School of Music; Abi Groocock - Concerts Project Manager, Sage Gateshead.
Networking drinks at the Brass Bands Archive
For the full list of speakers and session information please visit bbconf.uk.