A Woman? Conducting?

Yes! Our conductor is away at the moment so (being the band manager) I asked Anne to come and fill in for him.

She's a brilliant musician, an excellent conductor and a really lovely person and we've all enjoyed her rehearsals which have been fun, interesting and constructive.

Banding has certainly come on leaps and bounds in its attitude towards women but female conductors are still very rare. Anne is, in fact, the first woman ever to stand in front of the band and as far as I am aware I am the first female band manager. Despite the acceptance I still overheard a comment from one of the retired players 'Never thought I'd see a woman standing in front of Nitten band!' We can but persevere!