Inaugural ConsTest in 2023
Birmingham held a place of great significance in the brass band calendar of 2022, with the British Open returning to Symphony Hall once more in September, and the European Brass Band Competition featuring at the same venue just months earlier in May. These events both created an incredible buzz, with the music making inspiring and captivating the community. In 2023, ConsTest aims to take inspiration from these events, and share this atmosphere with bands of all levels.
ConsTest 2023 is an open own choice brass band competition taking place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on 1st April 2023. Using the brilliant Bradshaw Hall, bands will be competing for numerous prizes, including Denis Wick products and the chance to work with virtuosos such as Richard Marshall. Striving to promote all levels of banding, the contest promises to deliver an exciting day of music; with gala concerts featuring Second City Brass and The Ambrassadors, the Conservatoire will boast a great atmosphere for this inaugural occasion.
Commenting on the venture Contest Director Mike Foley explained, “Going into my final year at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, I decided I wanted my Major Project to be incredibly authentic to me. I wanted to create something that made a difference, no matter the ambition, that I could give all my time and attention to, purely because of my passion regarding it. It was obvious to me that this had to revolve around brass bands. My ultimate aim was to give great opportunities to bands at all levels. Immediately, I thought about offering the chance to comfortably perform in front of an excited crowd, with new listeners and listeners of varying experience. The competitive aspect of banding has always interested me; the accelerated progress that bands can make through contest periods, due to the intense determination and commitment, is something we should be immensely proud of as a community. On top of this, the idea of prizes and titles to boast about can only impact the community positively - with bands using their achievements as an attraction for new players. After thinking through this, it was clear that I had my heart set on my own contest.
“The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is one of few Higher Education establishments that offers a Brass Band First Study course in England, and with this comes a busy and vibrant environment - one that perfectly complements a brass band competition. The space not only provides a concert hall of great quality, but soundproof warm up rooms guarantee complete comfort for bands before taking to the contest stage - something not all bands of lower sections have the pleasure of experiencing frequently. Alongside this, Ian Porthouse and Alan Morrison bring credible experience to the adjudication of the competition. We look forward to welcoming bands to the Conservatoire to experience the incredible atmosphere, performance opportunities in front of new crowds and the all important chance to win prizes.”
Further information is available at: https://constest.squarespace.com/
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