The Brass Band Conductors’ Association (BBCA) has announced that the adjudication panel for its conducting competition final on 17 June will be the experienced and respected duo of Paul Holland and Sarah Groarke-Booth.
Photo credit: Kate McDonald
Sarah Groarke-Booth studied music at University of Salford, gaining a BA (Hons) in Band Musicianship and an MA Performance (Conducting). As a conductor, she has worked with many ensembles including wind bands, brass ensembles and choirs. Speaking of her appointment Sarah said:
I’ve conducted brass bands for three decades now and I still get a buzz when I walk into a rehearsal room full of players with a new score to explore. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to observe up and coming conducting talent at this contest - I wish there was a mentoring system within the brass band community to pass on ideas, techniques and support to emerging talent; however, this competition is an excellent chance for such talent to both develop and demonstrate their skills”.
Originally from South Wales and now residing in Gloucester Paul Holland is in demand as a conductor and adjudicator throughout Europe. Paul is currently the Musical Director of both the Flowers and Wantage bands.
Paul commented: “I am extremely proud to be asked to adjudicate the competition once again. I look forward to seeing the participants work with the Hammonds and Eccles Bands and to be able to provide some detailed and specific feedback that will hopefully be of some ongoing benefit”.
Entry deadline extension
A number of potential entrants to this year’s conducting competition have requested more time to complete their video entries. In response to their request BBCA has taken the decision to extend the deadline for entry.
A spokesperson for BBCA explained: “We have received communications from conductors who were looking to enter this year’s competition but were struggling to complete their video entry recordings over the Easter period. As such we have taken the decision to extend the deadline for entry to midnight on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
Entrants need to submit a video of themselves conducting a band or small ensemble (not necessarily brass) of no more than 15 minutes. Videos will be judged by the BBCA Exec and shortlisted for the live competition.
Twelve short-listed semi-finalists will be invited to Eccles Town Hall (Greater Manchester) on 17 June to work with the Hammonds Band on contest pieces in the morning, with the six finalists going on to rehearse and conducting the Eccles Borough Band on a concert programme to be performed in the Gala Concert that night.
BBCA Chairperson, James Holt, offered the following comments:
“The conducting competition is our flagship event and continues to grow from strength to strength. I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of two outstanding conductors to be able to provide feedback to those participants invited to attend on June 17th. Paul and Sarah have extensive experience and I am sure both will be able to provide some real insight and inspiration for the conductors taking part. We are also extremely grateful to our partners at Brass Bands England who continue to work closely with us to provide these excellent opportunities to the brass banding community”.
Find out more and enter the 2023 BBCA Conducting Competition. (BBCA member discounts apply). Join the BBCA.
Closing date: Midnight, Tuesday 25 April.
The BBCA are grateful to Yamaha for their sponsorship of this event.
