Black Dyke principal euphonium player Gary Curtin has been busy with the baton over the recent Easter half term.

And although the baton requests came out of the blue, he was only too pleased to make the trips to conduct Cadishead Public and Mereside Brass.

Juggling

"Within the space of about ten minutes I had messages from both bands asking if I could help them out at short notice," he told 4BR.

"Thankfully, with a little bit of juggling I managed to reply with a yes to both!"

Delight

Gary first headed to Cadishead Public in Irlam on a Tuesday evening, much to the delight of the players as Band Manager David Dee, told 4BR: "We were thrilled to have Gary with us as we prepared for an important concert.

We would like to thank him for the way in which he encouraged us all with his infectious humour and knowledge. Everyone was so impressed and delighted."

Response

A couple of days later Gary was in Cheshire to lend a helping hand to Mereside Brass, and same response was enjoyed there too!

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The feedback from the band was exceptional on what was a fun and stretching rehearsal. Gary even enjoyed the social side in the Golden Pheasant afterwards.

From all at Mereside, we would like to thank Gary for a great rehearsal and helping us out on such short notice."

Euph round up

And to round the half term off, Gary also took time out of his busy schedule to help young euphonium player Ruth Meller from Tewit Youth Band. Ruth is a member of the Yorkshire Youth Band and thanks to her father who acted as a brilliant long distance taxi driver, she was able to meet up with Gary for some invaluable holiday tuition.

It was great to meet up and work with some lovely people before I have to spend every minute concentrating on the European test pieces!Gary Curtin

Lovely people

Gary told 4BR: "I’d like to thank Ruth and her amazingly supportive Dad, as well as Cadishead and Mereside bands for keeping me entertained over the half term.

It was great to meet up and work with some lovely people before I have to spend every minute concentrating on the European test pieces!"