*
banner

BBC reports on Black Dyke's inspirational lead to youngsters

Pupils in a local school are being inspired by Black Dyke as music education funding comes under ever increasing pressure.

Dyjke festival
  The Black Dyke Festival sees the band link up with local bands

Black Dyke is playing its part inspiring the next generation of young Yorkshire players according to a report on the front page of the BBC website today (Tuesday 8th May)

In a feature about the ongoing nationwide pressure on the provision of music education in schools, BBC Education reporter Judith Burns features the pupils of the Foxhill Primary School in Queensbury in Bradford — home to the most famous brass band in the world.

Bold decision

It highlights the bold decision of the Head teacher Sally Hey to lead the way a decade ago in creating a brass band in the school — one that now its section at the recent Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech & Drama.

It also shed a light on the incredible work of Garry Walls, who undertakes unpaid teaching work at the school and leads the evening rehearsals that see families come together to play, and the connection with Black Dyke that has already seen the youngtsers perform with the Yorkshire Champion.

All the members of Black Dyke Band just started out like us. And we could be like them if we keep pushing forwardFoxhill Primary School pupil

Amazing results

Both Sally and Garry talk of the amazing results achieved by having over 80 pupils learning instruments — and of their fear that further 'standstill' budget settlements over the next three years could seriously impact on their work.

And as a youngster tells the BBC reporter: "All the members of Black Dyke Band just started out like us. And we could be like them if we keep pushing forward."

Go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-43871069

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd