Following the departure of David Thornton as principal euphonium last week, it has been announced that Gary Curtin will take over the high profile position from Fairey (Geneva) Band. He will officially join Black Dyke later this month.

Great sounding player

Director of Music, Dr Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "Gary is a great sounding player with a terrific technique and range to match. I look forward with excitement to his continued ambitious development with Black Dyke."

Gary Curtin added: "I wish to acknowledge my great time at Fairey (Geneva). I leave some wonderful friends, whilst winning the English National was a real high."

Challenge ahead

The young Irishman is looking forward to the challenge of becoming the latest in a legendary line of solo euphonium players: "It’s a position that most players can only dream about. To be invited by Dr Childs is an honour and a privilege and I look forward to making new friends and working hard to give the position the dedication and commitment it deserves and requires."

Assistant

Meanwhile, with the departure of long serving assistant euphonium player John French, it has also been announced that the experienced Ian Yates will join from Grimethorpe Colliery after their forthcoming Brass in Concert appearance.

Ian commented: "Having the opportunity to work with Dr Childs and Dyke is an exciting prospect. 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!"

Cornet changes

Changes are in the pipeline in the cornet section too, with a strong emphasis on Salvationist youth in the shape of Craig Kilmour and Alex Gibson from Delph and Hebden Bridge respectively.

The pair of RNCM students leaves the principal cornet seats in their bands to join the Queensbury outfit, with Alex commenting: "Hebden are a great band family band. I’ve gained so much experience and want to say a big thank you. I'm lucky to have Richard Marshall as my teacher and I’ve made some guest appearances with Dyke over the past year, so I have a good idea what to expect. I know the move will enhance my playing for the future."

The new signings send a strong message out about our ethos and our pride in our history. Everyone associated with Black Dyke is full of drive and ambition and looking forward to the futureDr Nicholas Childs

Looking ahead

Meanwhile Craig is also looking ahead to the start of a new chapter in his banding life: "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 the new challenges at Black Dyke."

Maternity leave

The moves arise following Rebecca Marshall taking banding maternity leave, as she and husband Richard prepare for the imminent arrival of their first child.

Business

Dr Nicholas Childs is keen to show that the new signings show rival bands that Black Dyke mean business ahead of the start to the 2011 contesting season.

He told 4BR: "The new signings send a strong message out about our ethos and our pride in our history. Everyone associated with Black Dyke is full of drive and ambition and looking forward to the future."