Black Dyke has announced that following the departure of Ian Yates and Matt Wade on euphonium and Bb Tuba respectively, the Queensbury band has acted quickly to secure the services of one of Welsh banding’s most exciting talents.

Talents

Daniel Thomas, who won the Geoffrey Whitham ‘Best Euphonium’ Award at the 2013 British Open Championship during his tenure as principal euphonium with Tredegar, and who is currently playing with National Champions Cory, will join the band after this year’s British Open in Birmingham.

Daniel, who will start his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in September, told 4BR that he is delighted to join the euphonium section of the most famous band in the world.

Great time

"I have had a great time at Tredegar and Cory, but the chance to be part of such an illustrious and famous band is a dream come true.

I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of musicians, and of course their conductor, Dr Nicholas Childs."

It's always a challenge finding the right player to join Black Dyke, but Daniel is an exceptional find and I look forward to helping develop his playing over the forthcoming yearsDr Nicholas Childs

Exceptional find

The Black Dyke Director of Music is also delighted with his new signing: "It's always a challenge finding the right player to join Black Dyke, but Daniel is an exceptional find and I look forward to helping develop his playing over the forthcoming years."

Dr Childs added: "Everyone at Black Dyke would also like to take the opportunity of thanking Ian and Matt for their outstanding work with us and wish them well in the future."