Let’s Debate with Allan Withington

Conductor, Allan Withington, is an adventurous artistic thinker who can feel thwarted by tradition-led brass band committees and says ‘take a leap into the unknown’

Sitting in Bergen Airport, my date is late. Maybe she’s having trouble parking the car. It’s been a long stint from 3 January with probably not a day free. Kirsten eventually catches me at the Airport`s only bar. We have planned and looked forward to this for a long time - 3 January seems a long way past and with every day filled with some sort of thought or rehearsal regarding some sort of promotion or concert. Suddenly holiday time is here. I told my ‘physio’ (I have a dodgy right shoulder). “Enjoy the golf,” he said. “If my shoulder holds up,” I replied. “Yes, but enjoy the break anyway,” he rejoined. “If my head allows me to,” I mumbled.

I suppose I just can’t let go. I drive myself crazy with thoughts and ideas that are interesting, entertaining, but sometimes annoyingly frustrating. My wife is a head mistress and tells me that, if I walked into her school, I would have a tick in all the boxes relating to AD/HD. I stay away from her school!

Anyway, a night in Bordeaux is planned and then off to one of our favourite villages - Monflanquin in South West France. The rental car devours the miles and work-related thoughts start to dilute.

Ok, I have to practise when we get
 to the house - busy programme in 
April you see, but come on... no
 problem. Shoulder feels better too.

We arrive at the house, which is 
cold because it hasn’t been heated 
throughout winter. Radiators on, we
 go down to the local hotel for
 dinner. We have already spoken to 
at least six villagers in the first hour
 of our arrival and it feels like we 
never left the place.

After a good dinner and great local wine (the sun is also shining), thoughts and worries seem less intense. Our idea of taking a break is having the right effect. I could get used to this! The mandatory Easter book is replaced by the score of the European test-piece... let's not expect miracles!

Day two and we are on a rather muddy golf course and I have no bad conscience about enjoying myself, and no worries about any future planning for the autumn and beyond. I know I will fix it all.

As the week progresses, the therapy is working. I can sit down and read a book (and/or score) without pacing around every five minutes.

I can concentrate on practising and play long notes without getting bored. We continue going for long walks (on the golf course) - Kirsten fell for that one hook, line and clove of garlic.

I am actually letting go! However, the European Brass Band Championship is fast approaching, so actually I am letting ‘go-ish’. Everything else is put on hold and fades, but my obsession with our beloved brass band scene is still vivid. I can let go of everything else, but not this. It’s deeply imprinted on my psyche. I have been involved since childhood and I am totally committed. I sometimes wonder if my commitment and interest is for my own benefit. Most of the time I think it is not…

To read this fascinating article in full, and much more from April's edition of BBW, subscribe to BBW Digital here.