News

20 new works celebrate the talent and imagination of UK's musical community as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

PRS for Music Foundation has today (10 December) announced 20 outstanding pieces of new music which will feature centre stage of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad as London hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The twenty works commissioned for New Music 20x12 each last 12 minutes and offer a snapshot of the quality and diversity of new music in the UK. Each piece will be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and tour the UK - ensuring as many people as possible have the opportunity to enjoy excellent new music as part of the 2012 celebrations.

The works selected for New Music 20x12 cover a wide range of genres, reflecting the diversity and richness of musical life in the UK - from contemporary classical, folk and opera in Scotland and Northern Ireland to bell ringing, beatboxing, jazz and music for brass band in England and Wales. 

Inspired by the dynamism of Olympic and Paralympic sports, the passion of human endeavour so central to the Games, and the once in a lifetime opportunity of creating a musical work which contributes to a global celebration, these commissions are full of the energy, hope and excitement that will emanate from across the Cultural Olympiad and the Games themselves.

"The Black Dyke Brass Band's sound and virtuosity conjures images of power, athleticism and dexterity. Emotionally, the band can also convey feelings of nostalgia, sadness and loss. Additionally, for a composer to write for the myriad of timbres that brass bands offer is a huge opportunity. I am excited about working with them, the PRS for Music Foundation and the Cultural Olympiad  in 2012." (Luke Carver Goss)

"The Black Dyke Band has a history of over 155 years, our ethos of being proud of the past and fostering the future. This is epitomised by New Music 20x12 putting new music centre stage at the Cultural Olympiad. Performing with Ian McMillan is always exciting and with music from Luke Carver Goss the performance will take you on a journey that will create a galaxy of styles, with the audience guaranteed to be smiling at the end!" (Nicholas Childs Director of Music, Black Dyke Band)

"I'm looking forward to making wonderful music with Luke Carver Goss very much, and I'm sure that between us the PRS team will bag quite a few gold medals!" (Ian McMillan)

The New Music 20x12 commissions were chosen by a judging panel consisting of composer Judith Weir, journalist Kevin Le Gendre, composer and performer Errollyn Wallen MBE, producer Joana Seguro and DJ and musician Rita Ray. The panel was chaired by Roger Wright, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and Director of the BBC Proms, who said:

"The panel was impressed by the quality and range of the UK wide applications and reluctantly rejected a number of distinctive project proposals. However, 20x12 means just that and only 20 ideas could be approved for funding. Those selected were considered to be outstanding and represented a range of compositional output by their wide variety of genres and styles. These pieces will form a vibrant and exciting celebration of British composition in 2012 and help to reflect the Olympic and Paralympic values through their creative excellence and inspirational ideas."

Vanessa Reed, Executive Director of the PRS for Music Foundation, said: "We are delighted that so many talented music creators and organisations were inspired to apply to New Music 20x12, a fantastic initiative that will see the UK's music community leaving its legacy as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The chosen 20 collaborations offer a snapshot of the UK's fantastically rich and varied new music scene and we are proud to support their contribution to this unique, international celebration."

Alan Davey, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: "The exciting range of these compositions sums up why the UK is a world leader in culture. Not only does London 2012 offer an unprecedented moment to showcase our talent on the world stage, it will also demonstrate the power of collaboration. New partnerships are forming across the UK to deliver programmes such as this, encouraging innovation and engagement, which will leave a lasting legacy long beyond 2012. Congratulations to each of the chosen 20 - I can't wait to hear what they come up with."

New Music 20x12 was initiated by Jillian Barker and David Cohen and will be delivered by the PRS for Music Foundation in partnership with the BBC, LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) and Sound and Music.   

New Music 20x12 is generously supported by committed patrons and funders from across the UK including the Arts Councils of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Creative Scotland. For more information about New Music 20x12 see www.prsformusicfoundation.com

Black Dyke is delighted to welcome Jonathan Bates as their new 1st horn player following the departure of Julie Meechan.  Nicholas Childs commented "we would like to place on record our thanks to Julie and wish her well in the future.

Dr Childs continued "Jonathan is an exciting prospect, a finalist in last year's BBC Radio 2's Young Brass Soloist and the current Principal horn of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain."  

15 year old Jonathan thanked his previous band, Brighouse and Rastrick, for all their help, and said "winning the Nationals was truly awesome.  However I am really looking forward to joining Black Dyke".  

Jonathan's first concert will be Selby Abbey on Saturday, 27th November.

Dr Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke are delighted to welcome three new faces to the band.

Director of Music Dr Childs commented "The new signings send a strong message out about our ethos being proud of our history, and looking forward to the future with real drive and ambition."

Ian Yates the experienced and talented euphonium player will leave Grimethorpe after Brass in Concert to take his position as assistant to Gary Curtin. Ian commented "having the opportunity to work with Dr Childs and Dyke is an exciting prospect and when you consider the position hasn't been available for the last 17 years I wanted to make a quick decision before someone else snapped it up!"

Rebecca Marshall says good bye to have her and Richards first baby. With this opportunity two young and exciting cornet players join the band. Both are young students studying at the RNCM and are proud of their background in Salvation Army Banding.

Craig Kilgour leaves his current position as principal cornet at Delph. Craig commented "I've had a great time at Delph and made some great friends we've had a fantastic year winning at Butlins, the North West Area and Nationals at Harrogate, all of which has set me up so well for my new challenges at Dyke"

Alex Gibson leaves the principal cornet chair at Hebden Bridge Band, 2010 Yorkshire Area champions 1st section. Alex said "Hebden are a great band family band. I have gained so much experience I want to say a big thank you. I'm lucky to have Richard Marshall as my teacher and I have made some guest appearances with Dyke over the past year, so I have a good idea what to expect which I know will only enhance my playing for the future".

Black Dyke is delighted to announce that Gary Curtin is their new Principal Euphonium. He will join the band after the Brass In Concert contest later this month.

Following the departure of David Thornton things have moved very quickly.

Dr Nicholas Childs said "Gary Curtin is a great sounding player with a terrific technique and range to match. I look forward to Gary's continuing development with Black Dyke and I look to the future with excitement and ambition."

Gary Curtin commented "I wish to acknowledge my great time at Fairey. I leave some wonderful friends and wining the English Nationals was a real high."

On moving to Dyke Garry said "It is a seat that most euphonium players would visualise themselves sitting in whilst dreaming. But to be invited by Dr Childs for real is nothing other than an absolute honour and a privilege and I look forward to making new friends and working hard to give the seat the dedication and commitment it both deserves and requires."

Black Dyke is pleased to announce young flugel soloist, Zoe Hancock as their new flugel horn soloist. Zoe, who originates from Cornwall, has been making a great name for herself, being a past principal in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, winner of the Harry Mortimer solo award, and a finalist in the Radio 2 Young Brass Musician.  

Nicholas Childs commented "It is wonderful to welcome a player of Zoe's quality.  She is a delightful young lady and a terrific talent, and I am sure will develop even more in the future."

Zoe is studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music being guided by Director of Band Studies Dr. Robert Childs. Zoe has enjoyed her banding with Tredegar and commented "I have had a wonderful time at Tredegar and winning the British Open was amazing. Ian Porthouse has always been helpful and although I will be leaving some great friends, it is with excitement and a burning ambition that I grasp the opportunity of joining Black Dyke."

Zoe will take up her new position immediately after Brass in Concert later this month.

Following the departure of Sandy Smith, Alex Kerwin has moved to Solo Horn at Black Dyke.  

Nicholas Childs commented "Alex has a fantastic pedigree, she is an outstanding bands person, a bold and brave player and one that I am sure will grow into her new position and make it her own." Alex commented "I know it will take some time to settle into my new position, but everyone at Black Dyke is supporting me and I am looking forward to my new challenge." 

Black Dyke Band would like to acknowledge the wonderful service given by David Thornton as Principal Euphonium over the last ten years.

Dr Nicholas Childs said:  "David was the first soloist I appointed at Dyke over 10 years ago he has held this position with great distinction. We all wish him every success in his ever developing career"

David Thornton commented "I've been in the band for ten years and have given 100% commitment during that time. I have spent a lot of time considering my future recently, and it's come to the moment when I feel I want to look for other opportunities that simply wouldn't have been possible whilst giving that commitment to Black Dyke."
 
"I've recently been appointed as Musical Director at Wingates Band and this is just one of the ventures I'll be now able to launch myself into. I have two large solo tours planned for 2011 already - Australia and the USA - as well as other solo opportunities that would have simply clashed with the Black Dyke diary should I have stayed with the band. They will all now be possible and of course I hope other exciting possibilities will begin to arise now that I have more time.

"It goes almost without saying that there is an element of sadness involved, I'm leaving a fantastic band and an amazing team of musicians. I'd like to thank all my playing colleagues and friends for their support and camaraderie over the last ten years. They, along with Nick Childs, have made me into the player and musician I am today, as well as being my musical family along the way."

From Dr Nicholas J. Childs:

Dear Friend,

I have produced an illustrated diary in hard back and full colour to mark the last ten years of the most famous brass band in the world.

The book gives a real inside story of some fascinating situations with over 50 colour photographs which tell their own stories.

The book's author, Alan Jenkins, researched the material and gained unlimited meetings with myself to bring to life this fascinating read, with photos from Black Dyke official photographer John Stirzaker, the stories become crystal clear.

The book "A Decade Beating Time" is available direct from Black Dyke at £9.99 plus P&P which is £2.56 in the UK, £4.51 in Europe and £7.67 for North America/Canada or Australia.

To order this great present and receive your personally signed copy simply fill in below who you would like the book dedicating to.

Eg. To John

Available from

Black Dyke Band, The Bandroom, Sandbeds, Queensbury, West Yorkshire, BD13 1AB

All cheques payable to Black Dyke Band or email credit card number, expiry date, and 3 digit security code, along with your address to secblackdykeband@btinternet.com

Good reading and thank you for supporting your band.

Kind Regards

Dr. Nicholas Childs

A Decade Beating Time

Marking a decade as Music Director of Black Dyke Band, and also charting his accomplishments with other high-profile bands and musicians, is Nicholas Childs' 10 year diary. This fully illustrated book, written by Alan Jenkins and introduced by Philip Wilby is dedicated to Nick's wife, Alison, ‘my best adjudicator and love of my life'.

Black Dyke Band will once again present an open rehearsal at Morley Town Hall, this time for the National Championship test piece Terra Australis by Martin Ellerby. The rehearsal will start at 8.00pm on Thursday 7th October 2010 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

Black Dyke Band is pleased to announce the signing of two talented young percussionists. 

Sam Tunstall is in his first year of a four year Bachelor of Music course at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. He was a member of the RNCM Junior School for over four years and has been Principal Percussionist of the National Youth Wind Orchestra. Sam will be playing with the Band as a member of the percussion team playing in Linz, Austria, later this week in the European Brass Band Championships.

Ashley Clegg is currently a percussionist with the Newstead Band in the Midlands. He will be fulfilling his contest obligations with them until the end of June, but has been appearing in concerts with Black Dyke Band during April. Only 17, Ashley is still completing his A levels, and plans to go to Music College after school. He is currently the Principal Percussionist of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. 

Dr Nicholas J. Childs, Principal Conductor and Director of Music, said "Sam and Ashley are outstanding prospects and will work closely with Andrea Price and Paul Lovatt-Cooper in ensuring a strong delivery from a team of immense importance.  For the past decade the band has had a stable team of percussionists and I would also like to acknowledge Lee Skipsey and Neil Edwards who have been real stalwarts and excellent bandsmen for Black Dyke."

Black Dyke Band will again present an open rehearsal at Morley Town Hall, this time for the European Championship set test piece Spiriti by Thomas Doss, and also their own choice test piece. The rehearsal will start at 8pm on Wednesday 28^th April.

This is a unique opportunity to listen to the two test pieces which will be played by Black Dyke Band in Linz, Austria on Friday 30^th April and Saturday 1^st May.

Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm

Black Dyke Band will once again present an open rehearsal at Morley Town Hall, this time for the Yorkshire Area test piece English Heritage by George Lloyd. The rehearsal will start at 8pm on Thursday 4^th March 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

Please note that the open rehearsal is Thursday and not Friday as it was last year.

The CD of the Tour to Australia, which was exclusively sold on that tour and sold out of the 1000 we took, has been in demand since we returned last August. I have just 20 of these available to the first people to email me with credit card details at secblackdykeband@btinternet.com. The cost is £15.70 delivered in the UK and £16.70 by air mail.

The content of the CD is similar to Essential Dyke Volume 9 but with an exclusive cover and inside pamphlet:

1. Queensbury
2. Willow Echoes
3. Cats Tales    

                                 I.      Catalonia

                               II.      Cat Walk

                              III.      Scat

1. Fantastic Polka
2. Kings of Cool

                                 I.      The Lady is a tramp

                               II.      That’s Amore

                              III.      Luck be a Lady

1. Autumn Leaves
2. Swinging Matilda
3. Deep Harmony
4. Theme and Variations
5. Immortal
6. Vienna Nights

Black Dyke Band is pleased to announce the signing of two new cornet players. 

Neil Day will play on the front row, and joins from the EYMS band where he has been Principal Cornet. Joining on 3^rd cornet is David Smith, who joins from the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. Both Neil and David have been playing with Black Dyke for the last few weeks.

Nicholas Childs commented "Neil has a vast experience with a beautiful sound and will be a great asset to the cornet section, whilst David is a talented young player who will have a promising career."

Both players are looking forward to an eventful 2010.

At the 2009 Black Dyke Band Annual Dinner and Award Ceremony, the Bandsman of the Year Trophy was presented by Director of Music Dr Nicholas J Childs and the Pondasher Trophy was presented by Trustee Mr Ian Thompson and his wife Jan. The ceremony and dinner were attended by all of the band members, Trustees and their partners, together with a number of guests from the Bands' Partners. 

The Bandsman of the Year Trophy was awarded to Flugel Horn soloist, Alex Kerwin, described by Dr Nicholas Childs as "an ideal bandsperson, who combines motherhood and her passion with the band she clearly loves". This coveted award is voted for by the players of the band, and always reflects a player who is held in consistently high esteem by their peers throughout the year. 

The Pondasher Award was presented to Principal Cornet player Richard Marshall. Dr Childs commented "Richard epitomises a perfect bandsman, an outstanding talent, and a conscience to reflect his kind personality."

Black Dyke Band has been selected to receive a "Letter to the Future" from Cambridge University as part of their year-long plans to celebrate their 800^th anniversary. The letters, of which there will be only 800, will be stored in archives at the University Library, not to be opened until the University's 900^th anniversary in 2109. 

A representative of Black Dyke Band in 2109 will be able to retrieve the letter from the Archive in 2109 by presenting a numbered certificate to the University. The certificate for Black Dyke Band will be presented to the Band's Principal Conductor and Director of Music, Dr. Nicholas J. Childs, by Dr Cynthia Lampert Moore, a representative of the University, at their concert in Selby Abbey on Saturday 21^st November.