At present, playing the bass trombone is my priority. If I was to make conducting my first priority, it would virtually mean I would be retiring from playing-at the age of 25, I feel this is a little premature.
The night I auditioned to conduct Dinnington, I informed them of my attitude and this was accepted. The band were used to this after a number of playing conductors such as Alan Exley.
Whenever the building society have contests to prepare for, I tend to have to engage a deputy for a few rehearsals I'll be missing. Fortunately there are a number of excellent lower section conductors in the area who do a great job for the band. I try to use the same conductors, so if I'm ever unavailable for a concert, the band are familiar with the incoming conductor and standards are maintained.
I always prepare a rehearsal schedule months in advance of the events Dinno have. This sometimes has a few changes of rehearsal day or time, but as the band has prior warning, they are flexible. For this reason, a well organised diary is a must.
I also believe Dinno benefit from my playing priority. As I've been fortunate to play with some of the finest bands, I'm constantly learning conducting and tutorial methods from the great conductors, which I then apply to Dinno.
Toby Bannan