After 16 years of playing percussion at the highest level Paul Lovatt-Cooper has decided to take ‘early retirement’ to enable him to devote more time to his burgeoning teaching, composing and conducting career.

Integral part

After nine great years with Fairey, Paul joined Black Dyke in 2003, and went on to become an integral part of the band’s successes under the direction of Dr Nicholas Childs both as a player and latterly as the band’s composer in residence.

Tremendous asset

Dr Childs told 4BR: "Naturally everyone is disappointed that Paul has called time as a percussionist with the band. Paul's personality always shone through as a committed and diligent player.

With this new direction I am sure he will be a tremendous asset to the brass band world and further afield with his creative skills."

I have had a fantastic time and the last eight years at Dyke have been some of the most memorable everPaul Lovatt-Cooper

Titles

Paul calls time on a playing career that has see him enjoy victories at Brass in Concert, the European and English Masters, as well as three British Open and four National Championship successes.

He told 4BR: "It has been a very tough decision but one I have been thinking about for some time now. However, I have found that there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done and so unfortunately my playing has had to give way."

Fantastic time

He concluded: "I have had a fantastic time and the last eight years at Dyke have been some of the most memorable ever. I want to take this opportunity to thank Nick and the band for all their help and support and I wish them all the very best for the future."

Even though he is retiring from playing, Paul will remain in post as black Dyke’s Composer in Association.