*
banner

Dyke's Low Brass Spotlight

There are just a few places left up for grabs for the Black Dyke Low Brass Spotlight — and everything is on offer from Deep Harmony to Acid tracks!

Black Dyke
 

4BR has been informed that there are only a few places left up for grabs at the forthcoming 'Low Brass Spotlight' being held as part of the Black Dyke Symposium on June 12th.

Popular

Dyke stars David Thornton and Joe Cook are hosting the event and told 4BR: "We’re both pleased that this part of the weekend has proved to be popular yet again. It’s going to be a great day and anyone else wishing to attend should contact us as soon as possible!"

The event is being held on Saturday 12th June from 11.30am until 4pm at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Musical treat

David added that there will be a special musical treat in store too: "We’ve commissioned Maurice Bale to do a special arrangement of ‘Deep Harmony’ – a hymn tune much associated with Black Dyke – for massed low brass choir. It will sound magnificent in the Ghandi Hall!"

Anyone interested in attending should contact David Thornton on thorntoneuph@googlemail.com or 07702 344 468.

You should give contact details, playing details (including name of band, section of band, position played, any grades taken) and also which clef you are most comfortable reading.

The event is intended to inspire and stimulate players through practical classes on key skills used at contests and during concertsDavid Thornton and Joseph Cook

Sessions:

This year’s event offers a series of sessions including chamber music skills, performance techniques and general tips to improve low brass playing.

Acid tacks

The Groves Brass Ensemble will also be featured during the day, performing a work by Simon Dobson for euphonium, Brass Quintet and Acid Dance Track!

The event includes sessions which are aimed at players of any age or standard to participate or simply observe led by Black Dyke soloists David Thornton and Joe Cook, and assisted by the Black Dyke Low Brass section – a team which boasts over 80 years of Black Dyke experience between them!

Inspire and stimulate

The event is intended to inspire and stimulate players through practical classes on key skills used at contests and during concerts (including playing in the section and how to cope with nerves)

As well as as a massed session, the event will be splitting the participants into smaller ensembles, rehearsing separately and led by members of Black Dyke.

Performances

The day will culminate with a performance from each group. These smaller groups will also provide an opportunity for delegates to ‘pick the brains’ of our experienced team!

The day will be followed by a Gala evening performance by Black Dyke wgich will include the world premiere of Ian McMillan’s newly commissioned concert poem ‘Brass’ – performed by the poet and accompanied by the band.

World premiere

There is also a world premiere of a new euphonium work by Philip Wilby called ‘A Day In The Life’.

Tickets are £10 and available from Leeds Town Hall Box Office Tel 0113 224 3801 (but free entry to Spotlight particapnts!)

Held at Leeds Metropolitan University — Headingly Campus (LS6 3QS), James Graham Building, Ghandi Hall. Admission £5 Donation

SCHEDULE:

11.30: Registration

12.00: Warm-up and Massed Ensemble Rehearsal.
Last Year’s Spotlight culminated with the massed ensemble giving an exciting performance of ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’.

This year we plan to equally challenge participants with music including a fantastic arrangement of Mussorgsky’s ‘Night On A Bare Mountain’, Deep Harmony and William Tell!

12.45: Chamber music sessions – highlighting playing techniques and ensemble skills.

Participants work within smaller groups in sessions led by members of Black Dyke Band.

13.30: Celebrity Recital – David Thornton and Joe Cook present a short recital of new and fascinating repertoire for low brass.

14.15: Coffee Break (refreshments provided)

14.30: In Conversation with Black Dyke Legends – a chance to meet and ask questions of some of Black Dyke’s former players.

This popular session was a highlight of last year’s Spotlight – giving an insight to some of the true characters from Black Dyke history.

15.15: Performance Platform and Massed Finale

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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd