*
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    


Regional Championships

2027 regional championship dates confirmed

October 31 • There will be eight contests over four weekends as bands look to book their places for London and York.


Amboise

Dutch champion aims for Amboise and French title

October 31 • Brass Band Schoonhoven will look to add the French Open title to its CV as they head to Amboise next May.


Jon Daw

50 years of service celebrated for Daw

October 31 • The well known tuba player Jon Daw has notched up 50 years of Gloucester banding dedication.


Wychavon

Full day of entertainment at Wychavon

October 30 • If you are looking to enjoy a full day of brass band entertainment then pop into Evesham from 10.00am onwards and you won't be disappointed.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd