Ben Dixon has informed European champion Black Dyke that he has decided to relinquish his role as principal tuba with the Queensbury band to concentrate on his conducting and teaching duties at Rochdale Music Services.

Many successes

Ben has enjoyed many successes with Black Dyke including British Open, National and European titles — rounded off in the past few weeks with a memorable victory at the Yorkshire Regional Championships.

"I have got some great memories with the band and finishing on such a high at Bradford and with a terrific visit to New York last weekend, has made my decision very difficult,"he told 4BR.

Ben is a wonderful player who has played a major part in the success of the band over the last few yearsBlack Dyke Director Music, Prof Nick Childs

Wonderful player

Meanwhile, Black Dyke Director Music, Prof Nick Childs added: "Ben is a wonderful player who has played a major part in the success of the band over the last few years.

However, he has explained to me that he now needs to focus on his developing conducting career and increasing solo engagements.

In the next few weeks he will be working hard approaching the National Youth Band Championships whilst his professional career has really taken off with Rochdale Music Service. Everyone at Black Dyke wishes Ben well in his future endeavours."