Ryan Watkins Joins AoBBA

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) are delighted to announce Ryan Watkins as joining its Development Programme.

A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Ryan has been Musical Director of Hepworth Band since 2019, during which time he’s led the band to much success including its qualification to the British Open (2023), two qualifications to the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall (2021 & 2025), wins at Dr Martin Trust Contest (2022), Red Admiral Entertainment Contest (2024) and Wychavon Contest (2024) in addition to countless successes on the march contest circuit, including 23 top-six placings at Whit Friday in the last four years.

As a trombonist, Ryan has held the Principal Trombone position with both Fairey Band and Brighouse & Rastrick Band, as well as working in the orchestral world, performing with the Hallé Orchestra, Gilbert & Sullivan National Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata.

As well as his extensive experience in performing and conducting , Ryan has adjudicated at ConsTest in both 2024 & 2025, Bold As Brass Contest and further afield Aalborg Musikkonkurrence in Denmark.

Speaking of his new affiliation, Ryan commented: “I am delighted to be joining the AoBBA Development Programme. It is a real privilege to work alongside such experienced and respected colleagues, and I am excited to contribute to the continued development of high-quality, professional adjudication within the brass band movement.”

Speaking on behalf of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators, PRO Officer Christopher Bond added: “We are so pleased to welcome Ryan to the Development Programme with his skills and experience as both a performer and conductor alongside his adjudication experience supporting our mission to deliver both professional and experienced adjudication for the modern brass band contest”.