BBCA 2023 Conducting Competition now open
The Brass Band Conductors’ Association's (BBCA) 2023 Conducting Competition is now open for entries. The annual competition is the BBCA's flagship event and is open to conductors at all levels, from anywhere in the world. Candidates are asked to submit their video entries by the close of Thursday 25 April for shortlisting, from which 12 semi-finalists will be invited to take part in the final competition day at Eccles Town Hall on Saturday 17 June.
Speaking of the event, BBCA Chair, James Holt, commented: “After the success of the 2022 competition we are excited to be once again inviting people to take part in an amazing international conducting event.
The BBCA is keen to offer opportunities to all conductors and this competition provides a wonderful platform to work with some of the UK's finest bands as well as receiving personalised feedback from experts in the field of conducting. It’s a great opportunity to gain feedback on your conducting skills and previously this has been a platform from which people have launched their careers in conducting. I encourage as many conductors as possible to enter this competition, and look forward to seeing you at the final in Eccles.”
What’s involved?
Candidates submit their video entries for shortlisting by the BBCA panel for an invite to the live semi-final. 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 test pieces, closely observed by two adjudicators. Six 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. All non-shortlisted BBCA members will also 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 championship brass band. Last year’s winner, Boris Oppliger, was thrilled to work with Russell Gray and the Foden’s Band in their National Championship preparations, and to conduct them at the Regent Hall on the eve of the Finals.
New 'Create a video' resource
To assist those who may be submitting a video for the first time, or who want to improve their conducting skills using video, see the our 'Top tips for creating a video', introduced by Russell Gray and watch him in action.
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.
The BBCA is grateful to Yamaha for their sponsorship of this event.
