BBCA 2024 Conducting Competition Accepting Submissions
BBCA Announce Details for 2024 Competition
The Brass Band Conductors' Association has announced the details of its 2024 Conducting Competition. Applications are welcome from conductors of all levels, worldwide.
Candidates are asked to submit a video entry for consideration. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 11th April 2024. A shortlist of 10 semi-finalists will be invited to compete at Eccles Town Hall on Saturday 15th June 2024.
In a press release published by Brass Bands England, BBCA Chair, James Holt said:
"I’m delighted the Association is launching the conducting competition once again. From its return in 2021, the event has grown year on year and now attracts an international entry field with a vast array of conducting experience. I am very keen to be able to provide opportunities for the development of conductors and thrilled that we will be inviting the winner to work with a leading conductor as part of the prize this year.
The Brass Band Conductors' Association is committed to offering opportunities for all conductors and the competition offers an exciting platform for aspiring conductors to work with some of the UK's best bands. The competition also provides a chance for conductors to gain insightful feedback and it has been an event that has launched many careers in conducting. So, if you're looking to kick-start or further your conducting career, this is your time to shine!
How Does the Competition Work?
If you're interested in competing, you will need to submit a video entry by Thursday 11th April. From there, a shortlist of 10 semi-finalists will be invited to compete at Eccles Town Hall on Saturday 15th June 2024. This will consist of a 15 minute rehearsal on a section of set pieces with the Hammonds Band. Each rehearsal session will be closely observed by two adjudicators.
5 candidates will then be chosen to progress to the final, which will consist of a rehearsal and then a performance of a concert item in the evening's gala concert.
All semi-finalists will receive feedback from the adjudication panel from their session and all non-shortlisted BBCA members will receive audio feedback on their videos submissions.
Eyes on the Prize
There will be a presentation for the top 3 finalists and a prize for the best UK- based participant.
The winner of the competition will take home a bundle of prizes consisting of:
A years' free BBCA membership
An opportunity to work a rehearsal and a performance with a leading conductor and Championship Section band
£200 cash prize
To give you idea of the kind of experience that is on offer, last year's winner, Matt Ryan, had the opportunity to work with Russell Gray and the Foden's Band in the preparations for the National Finals last year and conduct them in a concert at Regent Hall the night before the contest.
How to Enter
Candidates need to enter the competition via video submission. Entry for the video-entry round costs £50 and BBCA members can take advantage of a 20% discount. For those who are chosen to go through to the semi-final round, a further payment of £50 will be required - again, BBCA members are entitled to a 20% discount. Anyone joining the BBCA when entering the competition will also be able to take advantage of the 20% discount. All funds raised via the entry fees go directly towards funding the competition.
Find out how to prepare a strong video entry by checking out these tips from BBCA president, Russell Gray here.
Entry is open and can be accessed here: https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info/478
For more information email: bbca@bbe.co.uk
