Black Dyke Band - News Room

The band's Soprano Cornet player Peter Roberts was declared best Soprano player in the competition and Joseph Cook, Eb Tuba player was awarded the Best Soloist Prize.

There were 19 bands in the competition from England, Scotland & Wales. The test piece, 'Vienna Nights' was written by Dr. Philip Wilby.BA. B.Mus.(Oxford) D.Mus(Leeds) LRAM.

The final remarks from the three adjudicators were:

"This was playing for which I would travel many, many miles - masterly in conception, execution, ensemble and individual accomplishment. It was a privilege to be present. Thank you so much." - Michael Ball
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"Overall; Fabulous - Bravo- Thanks." - Nigel Boddice
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"A magnificent performance - so musical and technically secure, with fine soloists" - David Read
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Dr. Nicholas Childs (Music Director and Principal Conductor) and the Trustees are very proud of the Band's performance.

For a chance to hear the band playing in York Minster on October 14th, telephone 01274 882264 to book tickets.

Yorkshire Youth Brass Band Formed As Part Of Black Dyke's Young Peoples Sponsorship Initiative

As part of its new initiative to sponsor the work of young people, Black Dyke Band, under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Childs, have formed the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. The purpose of the creation of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band is to inspire and motivate young people aged 11 – 18 years to achieve their full potential as musicians, composers and citizens. There will be workshops held to engage those who have already achieved Grade 4, full band rehearsals and sectionals will be given by key members of the Black Dyke Band, including Richard Marshall, Cornet, David Thornton, Euphonium, and Brett Baker, Trombone. The day’s events will include seating auditions and action planning in preparation for the inaugural concert. The final gathering for 2006 will consist of a musical weekend to be held at the Headingley Campus of Leeds Metropolitan University and will culminate in the inaugural concert of the first Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. Parents will be actively encouraged to support their children.

In addition to its work with players, the band will also include opportunities for young composers, and will hold regular seminars for those who would like to expand their knowledge and experience of writing for brass. ‘Composers Collective’, under the guidance of Professor Philip Wilby, will meet during the year, and will consist initially of a class for 4 - 8 young composers. It is envisaged that these will be of school age, with an interest in writing or arranging for brass instruments in all aspects.Band members and instrumental staff will work with the collective as soloists and members of smaller groups, and access to the full ensemble will be encouraged as the project develops.

Interested parties in the ‘Composer’s Collective’ are welcome to make informal contact with Prof. Wilby by E-mail on . Sample scores can be sent to Prof. Wilby at The School of Music, University of Leeds, LS2.

Music Director receives Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Metropolitan University

Everyone at Black Dyke Band are proud to announce that During Summer Graduation 2006, Music Director Dr Nicholas Childs, received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Dr Childs commented: "There are many phrases that give direction to students, such as 'rubbing shoulders with champions', 'aiming high' and 'going the extra mile'. My advice to those graduating is always pass on to other people something positive. Whatever you do, always do it to the best of your ability."

'A working partnership that is working'
Talking about the exciting and already successful partnership between Leeds Met and Black Dyke Band, Dr Childs added: "Without the formation of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band we wouldn't be able to create the right atmosphere for the young people concerned. This could not have happened without the cultural partnership between Leeds Met and the Black Dyke Band."

International Reputation
Leeds Metropolitan University stated that,: "Dr Nicholas Childs has achieved the highest international reputation as a performer, teacher/clinician, conductor, interpreter and advocate of new music, and producer of pace-setting recordings. Initial success came as a euphonium soloist and partner with his brother, Dr. Robert Childs. Together they have toured worldwide as The Childs Brothers, performing in many of the world's most famous concert halls with prestigious bands and orchestras. Taking up the baton as a conductor, Nicholas hs had phenomenal success with many bands, including National Championship, British Open Championship and European Championships victories. Equally important he has had acclaimed performances in major concert halls both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

Advocate of New Music
He continues his advocacy of new music within the outstanding catalogue of brass and wind band recordings he has produced with his award-winning firm, Doyen Recordings. Dr. Childs is also in great demand as a teacher, clinician and consultant throughout the academic community. He serves as Senior Tutor in Brass Band Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he has taught for over twelve years.

Dr. Childs also received further honours with his appointment as Associate Conductor of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and as Trustee of the Brass Band Heritage Trust.

RICHARD MARSHALL Joins Black Dyke

Black Dyke announces that the highest prized seat in banding will be taken by Richard Marshall with immediate effect. Richard is following an illustrious line of world class cornet player's who have held the position during the last 150 years, John Paley, Ceres Jackson, Harold Pinches, Owen Bottomley, Willie Lang, Maurice Murphy, Jim Shepherd, Philip McCann and latterly Roger Webster.

Following weeks of speculation of Roger Webster leading a consortium bid to rescue Besson. Black Dyke Band has decided to appoint a new Principal Cornet.

Music Director Dr. Nicholas Childs Commented; "Richard is an outstanding player and his prowess on the cornet has won many admirers. To illustrate the quality of the player, his latest solo CD 'Blaze' has been declared CD of the year".

Critical acclaim for Richard is well illustrated in the review of his latest CD which quotes "A performer of immaculate pedigree and a musician of rare class, he now stands alone as the leading cornet player of his generation" (4barsrest).

Richard Marshall commented "Joining Black Dyke is a big honour and I am looking forward to working with Dr. Nicholas Childs and the band. They have many exciting new projects and their new partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University sounds really exciting. I've had a wonderful time at Grimethorpe and I would like to thank Elgar Howarth and Richard Evans and everyone at the band for their encouragement and support over the past ten years".

All the Trustees and Band members at Black Dyke would like to place on record their appreciation to Roger Webster for all his work and wonderful performances and wish him all the best for the future.

Black Dyke British Open Champs

The band were thrilled to record another championship win at this years British Open event held at The Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Saturday 17th September. The test piece was ‘The Night To Sing’ by Bramwell Tovey.

Every one at Black Dyke were very proud when Solo Euphonium David Thornton’s scintillating performance was awarded the prize for ‘Best Soloist’.

You can read more about David in our Meet the Band section as well as purchase some of his featured recordings in our On-line Shop.

Leeds Metropolitan University Partnership

The world-famous Black Dyke Band accompanied students, staff and friends of the university who performed Handel’s Messiah, supported by world-class soloists from Opera North.

Chorus members participated in a weekend workshop, led by musical director Andrew Dean, which culminated in a full performance of Handel’s Messiah on the evening of Sunday 4 December, in the Graduation Hall, Headingley Campus. The concert was in support of Jane’s Appeal, the Earthquake Appeal and Brass Band Aid.

Singers who were part of the chorus commented, “Amazing – I’m so glad Leeds Met is doing musical things”, “Very well organised event” and “Please do something similar again.” Beyond the curriculum, the university encourages student participation in cultural activities. Leeds Met’s Headingley Campus was filled with the sound of music earlier this year when students, staff, friends and families, including local choruses, Leeds Philharmonic and the Amici Singers, took part in a Singing Day organised by the university. The university’s cultural partnerships include links with Opera North, Northern Ballet, the West Yorkshire Playhouse the Harrogate International Festival and, most recently, Black Dyke Band.

More>>

150th Anniversary Book Now on Sale
The book was launched at a special celebration "Birthday" gathering at the Victoria Hall in Queensbury on Thursday 15th September. The author is Dr. Roy Newsome PhD. B.Mus. FRCO. ARCM., former Conductor and Music Director of Black Dyke Band. Roy is well known in brass band and music circles generally and is highly regarded as an adjudicator, conductor and historian.

Roy was at the launch and signed copies of the book and the band played some special celebratory items. The book is now generally available for purchase at all our concerts, from our on-line shop and by mail order. Buy on-line now>>

Other 150th Anniversary News
A very special 150th Anniversary collectors DVD, has been released. Produced in collaboration with The Royal Armouries, Leeds, it features specially recorded performances by The Band combined with visual montages and theatrical pieces designed to evoke the title theme - HERITAGE.

"The mixture of high octane music, wonderfully committed acting and action, and some of the most inspirational literature in the English language was highly potent."

"In our groundbreaking DVD, there are two histories combined. One is a version of history, of the Heritage of a Nation, as the title implies. The other is the Anniversary of one of our oldest and proudest brass bands, and with it the Heritage of a musical culture which thrives on all of the populated continents or the world." - Philip Wilby

See more about the DVD>>

150th Anniversary Concert DVD
For those of you who missed this memorable concert live at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, here's your opportunity to see highlights from the show. For those of you who did see it then why not relive some of the fine performances from the band, the "Wizard of Oz" James Morrison and other special guest artists.

See more about the DVD>>

We have also commissioned a limited edition pen to commemorate the anniversary. See the souvenirs section of our on-line shop for more details >>


LATEST RECORDINGS
Fantastic Overtures This selection of popular classical overtures exemplifies the versatility, skill and diverse repertoire of the Black Dyke Band. Pieces by Glinka, Rossini, Brahms, Sibelius, Hérold, Berlioz & Wagner are all played here with unrivalled passion and sensitivity. More>>

Greatest Movie Hits Vol 2 Following on from the success of the first movie collection, this second volume features more classic themes from the world of film: James Bond, Forest Gump, Back to the Future, Star Wars, and more. More>>

Essential Dyke VI More "must-have" recordings from the band including several tracks featuring the Massed Reunion Band with special guest conductors recorded live at Huddersfield Town Hall on the 18th December 2005. More>>

A Golden Year Recorded at Morley Town Hall during May - December 2005, this new CD features a collection of memorable pieces from the band's 150th Anniversary year - truly A Golden Year. More>>

Spectacular Classics Volume 5 The latest in the Spectacular Classics series of recordings has recently been released. Featuring some fine virtuoso performances and ensemble pieces, this CD truly justifies the title "Spectacular". More>>

Black Dyke Band European Champions 2005
"Living the Dream"

The Band Celebrate The band were thrilled and delighted with there performance at the recent European Championship, this was reflected by the tremendous reception from the audience who were on their feet for a full standing ovation before the music had actually finished. In our 150th year to be National and European Champions is a just reward for the tremendous commitment from both players and conductor.

The seven point winning margin was not the biggest margin in the history of the event - when Black Dyke won their first title it was by10 points. Everyone agreed the win was fully deserved. It is the eleventh time that the Band have secured the European Championship title.

The trophy, which is similar in size and shape to the FA Cup will be a welcome addition to the bandroom at Queensbury and will be displayed at concerts the length and breadth of the country.

Nicholas Childs & Peter Graham Dr. Nicholas Childs has won the competition as a player (in 1992), but this was his first victory as a conductor, so he too could identify with the joy of his players. "This has been a great victory for the band" he said. "They have worked so hard on the pieces that in the past three weeks they have only had five days off. I've been in the bandroom nineteen days out of the last twenty one, but it has been all worth it."

That commitment to the cause was reflected in the performances the band gave in Johan de Meij's test piece, 'Extreme Make-Over' and the own choice test piece specially composed for Black Dyke', 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' written by Peter Graham. Nicholas Childs expressed his thanks to Peter. "This has been a very special moment for me. It is a fabulous work and one which we thoroughly enjoyed playing here. From the moment I first looked at the score I knew it was going to be. The band have an insatiable appetite for hard work to gain what seems to be their unofficial clarion call of "Living the Dream."

BLACK DYKE - NATIONAL
BRASS BAND CHAMPIONS

On Saturday the 14th October 2004, BLACK DYKE BAND were awarded 1st prize (197 points) at the National Brass Band Championships, held in the ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON. 20 bands qualified to compete from 8 regional competitions held throughout England, Scotland & Wales. The test piece was entitled “All The Flowers Of The Mountain”, composed by Michael Ball, who was one of the adjudicators along with David Read and Malcolm Brownbill.

“The whole conception is most compelling and persuasive, thank you for some most distinguished and authentative playing” - Michael Ball

“A wonderful performance - so well directed - with a quality sound at all dynamic levels” – David Read

“A performance of real substance so well directed with everything joining in perfect form” – Malcolm Brownbill

Full adjudicators remarks will be published in the next edition of ‘The Black Dyke Bugle’.

The Chairman, Sir James F. Hill Bt. OBE DL and the Trustees are very proud of the Bands performance; A perfect start to go into 2005 when Black Dyke Band will be celebrating their 150th anniversary.

A photo of the band with the championship trophy can be seen here>


LEGEND MOVES TO QUEENSBURY
Black Dyke Band are pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Roberts as their new Soprano Cornet. Peter will take up his position immediately after the Nationals in October. Nicholas Childs commented, "I am delighted with this appointment. His prowess as a soprano player are unsurpassed and his personality will enhance the character of the band." Geoffrey Whiteley, Administrator, also commented "Peter is naturally a very professional bandsman. He intends to fulfil his commitments with the Yorkshire Building Society Band and wishes to place on record his thanks to the them and in particular the conductor, Professor David King."This popular series of classical collections continues with volume 4. The recording features favourites such as Fingal's Cave, The Hall of the Mountain King, Romance and Pachelbel's Canon. Pondashers around the world will be keen to know that Peter's debut concert with Black Dyke is on Saturday, 23rd October, 2004 at the Derngate Theatre, Northampton, followed on the Sunday afternoon with a performance at the Hawth. The tremendous support that the band enjoys will ensure a warm welcome for Peter. He is looking forward to joining the band, “I have had a quite fantastic seven years with YBS, but I feel that now is the right time for me to meet the one outstanding challenge for me as a player in the four or five years I believe I can still perform at the very highest level. This was perhaps the last great playing position I wanted to fill in my career". Peter was at pains to thank YBS and in particular Professor David King for all that they have done during the period he has spent with the band. "I cannot thank David King and the band enough. What I have learnt from him as a player has been immense, and I believe he has made me into an even better performer. I owe Professor King a great deal indeed." More>>

Summer Prom Recording
Summer Prom, recorded earlier this year at Huddersfield Town Hall with the Halifax Choral Society, is now available. It Features a wide range of pieces and a rousing finale in the spirit of "The Proms". More>>

Spectacular Classics 4
This popular series of classical collections continues with volume 4. The recording features favourites such as Fingal's Cave, The Hall of the Mountain King, Romance and Pachelbel's Canon. More>>

CONCERT TICKETS
From time to time we are able to offer tickets for our concerts direct to our supporters. If you buy your tickets to these events from us, a larger portion of the proceeds goes directly to the running and upkeep of The Black Dyke Band. Please check this area of the web site for ticket availability.


Normal Service Resumed...
After the slight hiccough with the live webcast of our recent concert in aid of the Salvation Army Watershed Project from Salford University, we are delighted to announce that some clips are now available. Many thanks to Ian Dobie, Project Manager @ FreeFlowUK, for his efforts in making these available to us. Further details of the concert and webcast clips can be found here>>

Other Recent Recordings

David Thornton: Three Worlds
This unique event, featuring the massed talents of the Black Dyke and International Staff Bands, is rapidly becoming a collectors item and is a must for all fans of brass band music. Don't forget, by ordering your recording from us you will be directly supporting the band and helping to ensure its future.

More>>

Eric Ball Centenary Concert DVD & Video
This unique event, featuring the massed talents of the Black Dyke and International Staff Bands, is rapidly becoming a collectors item and is a must for all fans of brass band music. Don't forget, by ordering your recording from us you will be directly supporting the band and helping to ensure its future.

More>>

Evelyn Glennie Collaboration
We are pleased to announce that this unique CD is available once again. Nominated for a Grammy in the 41st Annual Awards, Reflected in Brass is a classic worth adding to any collection.

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Support Black Dyke in Your Will

As supporters of Black Dyke Band, why not include a bequest in your Will to assist the Band's future? The most convenient way is to make the bequest to Black Dyke Band as a registered charity. Your gift may be of money, property or memorabilia. The last could these could be added to existing collections, but if they were duplicates they could, with your prior consent, be sold for the highest price through an appropriate agency and the funds thus raised be used to support the charity. More>>

Epic Brass Video

A lasting memento of the fantastic concert by Black Dyke and the International Staff Band in the Royal Albert Hall, October 2001. Also featuring Top Soloists - Roger Webster, David Dawes & David Thornton. This collectors item is now available to buy directly from our recordings section. More>>

Commemorative Plate - Only a Few Remaining!

A unique limited edition collectors item, 10 ¾. Inches (27cm) in diameter , featuring historical information about the band. Only a few remaining of the 280 that were manufactured Please refer to the Merchandise pages for ordering details. More>>

The Messiah

This popular recording "The Messiah", featuring the Halifax Choral Society, is available from our on-line shop. As usual a track has been selected for addition to our Juke Box. All CD's purchased directly from the Band will now bear a Black Dyke Roundel featuring the Band logo and Latin quotation in gold (see below).
More>>

Roundels on Recordings

The sale of CD's and merchandise all help the Band to survive, as a thank you, all CD's purchased directly from the Band will now bear a Black Dyke Roundel featuring the Band logo and Latin quotation in gold. On receiving their recordings enterprising fans peel them off and use them as instrument case stickers.

The latest addition to our leisurewear range is the Black Dyke Band 'T' Shirt with usual logo in gold thread, these are available from the on-line shop, our merchandise stand at concerts or by mail order.

Our new ties with the woven shadow logo, are now available in a presentation sleeve which also features the new ' Black Dyke' roundel.