The Brass Band Conductors’ Association is delighted to announce the return of its ‘live’ flagship conducting competition in 2022 which returns to Eccles Town Hall on 18th June.
Candidates are asked to submit their video entries by the close of 30th April for shortlisting, from which 12 semi-finalists will be invited to take part in the final competition day.
The day begins with shortlisted candidates conducting a 15-minute rehearsal of a guest band on a section from 1 of 3 chosen test pieces, closely observed by 2 adjudicators who will choose 6 conductors to progress to the evening final. The final 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.
The cost of entry into the competition is £50 for the video entry round with BBCA members receiving a 20% discount. 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.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists and the best UK-based participant. A prize bundle for the overall winner will include a year’s free BBCA membership, a cash prize and the opportunity to work in rehearsal and performance, with two of the UK's leading brass bands.
Speaking of the event BBCA Chair, James Holt, commented:
After a successful ‘online’ version of the event in 2021, we are now extremely excited to be bringing this event back to a live in-person competition in its usual format. The BBCA is keen to offer opportunities to all conductors and this flagship event 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. I encourage as many conductors as possible to enter this competition, which promises to be an extremely successful event.
How to enter
To enter the BBCA Conducting Competition and view the rules in full, visit the events page of the BBE website: bbe.org.uk/events
To join the BBCA visit bbe.org.uk/join-us Membership of the BBCA includes free membership of Brass Bands England.