Over to Jack…
I’ve taken part in the BBCA conducting competition twice, both in 2018, and last year in 2022.
I took part to help give myself a focus on my own conducting technique. It can be interesting as a conductor, particularly in brass bands and competitive banding, that almost the last thing we think about it what we are doing, and we are entirely focussed on the ensemble or band we’re working with; so it presented a great chance for some reflection and external advice, and to look for any optimisation which will increase the efficiency of rehearsal and performance.
The competition was split into three rounds, with the first a video entry for selection. I find it helpful to record my rehearsals anyway and watch these back from time to time to check both my conducting, and rehearsal pace; how long I spend talking, whether people are engaging with what I’m saying and responding etc, so I used some footage from the preparation ahead of the regionals.
The semi-final
I was delighted to be selected as a semi-finalist and be invited to Eccles Town Hall to take part in the live event. On the day, I drew the final sections from Peter Graham’s Essence of Time and was asked to rehearse the Hammonds Band.
It was difficult to judge how much to run the work, and how much to stop and rehearse, trying to make sure there was a balance between demonstrating good baton technique, and rehearsal technique through both gestural and spoken cues.
The band were fantastic! They were warm and inviting and followed me wonderfully. They were well prepared on the work, and responded well to both my conducting, and my verbal requests. Their sound was terrific.
All semi-finalists received helpful verbal feedback from the judges, David Thornton and Paul Hindmarsh, and the advice received here was invaluable.
The final
I made it through to the last six in the final and drew to conduct For the Love of a Princess from Braveheart with the Eccles Borough Band. We were given a short rehearsal, and then performed the work with the band in the Gala Concert. Again, the band were wonderful to work with, being both supportive, and a proficient band.
Both in 2018, and 2022 I came second, as well as the highest placed UK entrant, which in 2022 I won an award for. I will admit to being quite disappointed in coming second, but having seen Boris conduct in 2022, and having since spent time with him on courses and in workshops, I can’t think I’d rather have come second to anyone else – he’s an excellent musician.
Since the conducting competition last year I have continued to work with Derwent Brass, as well as a residency with the Hatfield and Askern Band. I have worked with some great bands like Reg Vardy, Carlton Main Frickley, and the GUS band, and have recently begun work with the Rotherham Symphony Orchestra, as well as preparing for a concert with the Derby Concert Orchestra as part of their 2024 season.
Could it be you?
I’d absolutely recommend conductors apply for the competition. Conductors at all stages in their career have the capacity and opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m a strong believer that a part of that is in working with different people, seeing different methods, and receiving constructive feedback (which we don’t often get as conductors!).
Taking the opportunity to focus on your own technique, aside from the performance of their ensembles, can be daunting, but can enable us to strengthen our individual performance and workflow, and make the rehearsals and performances of our ensembles even stronger.
Find out more and enter the 2023 BBCA Conducting Competition
Closing date: Midnight, Thursday 13 April.