Held virtually for the first time in the Band’s history, the Black Dyke Awards 2020 took place this week. Awards were given in three categories.

Bandsman of the Year was awarded to second Trombone player, Garry Reed. This is the most prestigious award voted on by fellow players. Past winners have included Robert Childs, Paul Duffy, Richard Marshall and John French. Prof. Nick Childs, Black Dyke’s Music Director, commented…..’Garry is a true bandsman who has clocked up over a quarter of a million miles travelling to band practice over the last 15 years, as he lives in Cleveland. We can’t remember him ever being late for a rehearsal and he would certainly never miss a concert’.

The second category – Pondasher of the Year – is awarded for meritorious service. It is given to a player who has made significant contribution to the success of the Black Dyke Band and past winners have included John O’Brien, Katrina Marzella and Adrian Hirst. The award this year was given to First Horn Player, Alison Childs. Ian Thompson, long standing Trustee of the Band commented….’This year’s recipient, Alison, works tirelessly for the Band. She edits and produces our in house magazine The Bugle, is the Administrator of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band, and is the driving force of our new initiative of Black Dyke’s Virtual Brass Day’.

The third award – the Chandos Bursary Awards – are given to help young players with their continuing professional development. Through the award they have the opportunity to access master classes, specialist music courses, and ongoing mentoring from leaders in their respective fields of study. Past winners include Adam Neild, Laura Conway, Siobhan Bates and David McGlynn. In giving the award Black Dyke are indebted to the generous ongoing support we receive from Trustee and Pondashers, Paul and Sally Billing. This year’s Bursary awards were given to Bass Trombone, Adam Reed and tenor horn player Amy Paterson.

It was fantastic to get everyone together and celebrate individuals achievements, if only virtually, and we hope that next year we can all meet in person.