News

Gifted young composer, Dan Price has been invited to join the creative team of Black Dyke Band.

Dan's portfolio includes "American Tale" and "Sunrise over Blue Ridge", as well as a whole host of major works and upcoming commissions. He will fill the position of Arranger in Association, and has already started work on some exciting new projects which will be featured within the band's 2012 programme.

Dan commented "I am over the moon to be joining the Black Dyke - it's a fantastic opportunity to work with such a respected and professional ensemble. Discussions are already under way for some large scale projects and I am looking forward to getting involved as much as I can."

At the announcement of Dan's acceptance, Musical Director Nicholas Childs observed "Dan is an outstanding talent and his work ethic is remarkable.  I have watched his development with great interest, and his highly successful Prima Vista arrangements for Cory have crossed the globe. Our creative team was the brainchild of our Musical Associate Philip Wilby, and I share his enthusiasm for the on-going encouragement of creative writing at Queensbury.''

Professor Wilby said "We are delighted to welcome a writer with such a proven record as Dan into our midst. Our young writers' scheme has long since proved to be a highly beneficial side to our mainstream activities, and past recipients include Peter Meechan and Paul Lovatt-Cooper. My long term dream for these associations was to make writing a normal part of our musical outlook, and fruits of the relationship are now clear for all to see. Few bands can offer a young composer the range of opportunities available at Black Dyke, which can range from small pieces and virtuoso solos to the most extended musical landscapes''

Following the news of Gareth Brindle's departure Black Dyke are delighted to welcome Katrina Marzella as their new Solo Baritone.

Nicholas Childs said "Katrina is a terrific player with an international reputation and its with real anticipation we look forward to the future."

Katrina commented "I'm delighted to be joining Black Dyke. It's a real honour and I'm looking forward to an enjoyable and successful tenure with the band."

Katrina's first concert will be at Huddersfield Town Hall on Sunday 18th December

Gareth Brindle Black Dyke's Solo Baritone has reluctantly called time with the Band, due to his work commitments expanding in these challenging times.

"Gareth is a fantastic bandsman, his lyrical and dynamic qualities were simply outstanding" said Nick Childs.

Gareth himself said "Being at Black Dyke has been a great experience and one that I shall never forget. To play a very small part in the history of this great band has been such a privilege and I would like to thank Nick, the players and back room staff and of course my family for all their support over the years".

Black Dyke hope to appoint a new solo baritone in the very near future

Black Dyke Band will once again present an open rehearsal at Morley Town Hall, this time for the British Open test piece The Red Priest by Philip Wilby. The rehearsal will start at 8.00pm on Thursday 1st September 2011 and, as well as the open rehearsal and a full run through the test piece, Dr Childs will put on a short concert programme.

Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm

On June 25^th, in Preston, the band won the English National Brass Band Championship playing the set piece, Martin Ellerby's ‘Elgar Variations', and the own choice test piece which was Philip Wilby's ‘Vienna Nights'. As Champion Band, we will now be invited to represent England in the European Championships which take place in Rotterdam, Holland, on May 4^th and May 5^th 2012.

Dr Nicholas Childs commented "Black Dyke played with an excellent quality of sound. We were delighted that Richard Marshall also won the Best Soloist award. He was truly outstanding, and there were many other excellent contributions from around the whole band. Our next goal will be to raise the money required to represent England at these prestigious Championships."