The North of England Regional Championship, in partnership with Geneva Instruments has announced that the Brighouse & Rastrick, NASUWT Riverside and Reg Vardy Bands, will provide the music for a special Gala Concert on Saturday 14th March, at the Gala theatre, Durham.
Honour
The concert, which it is hoped will become an annual event, is set to provide a focal point of the contest weekend, and will honour banding personalities from the North of England as well as raise money for charity.
Tait
The first of these will be the late Bryan Tait, one of the most respected cornet players of his generation, and who played with all three bands during his outstanding brass band career.
Bryan made his name as an emerging cornet star with Craghead Colliery Band before cementing his reputation as principal cornet of the then Ever Ready Band — a position he held for 29 years.
He also enjoyed further success with a two year period playing with Brighouse & Rastrick and more latterly as principal cornet with the NASUWT Riverside Band.
Conductor
In later years he also became a successful conductor — leading the newly formed NASUWT Youth Band to the National Finals after winning the Fourth and Third Section North of England Area titles — something which he found great enjoyment in.
Fitting honour
Tim Oldroyd of Geneva Instruments told 4BR: “Having the honour of working with the three bands and Bryan, it’s fitting that we re-commence the tradition of the Gala Concerts by honouring him.
Working with the regional committee we hope to make our regional contest an entertaining weekend for brass enthusiasts from all over the north of England”
Having the honour of working with the three bands and Bryan, it’s fitting that we re-commence the tradition of the Gala Concerts by honouring himTim Oldroyd, Geneva Instruments
Tickets
Tickets are on sale from the Gala theatre Box Office on Tel: 03000 266600 now, priced at £10 (£7concessions).
The concert will start at 7.30pm after a full day of music making from First and Third Section bands.
