Gareth Small, principal trumpet of the world famous Halle Orchestra has spoken to 4BR about the pride as well as the nerves he felt when performing with Black Dyke at the recent European Championships in Lille.

His contribution to the defending champion's performance of their own-choice selection of Edward Gregson's 'Trumpet of the Angels' also saw him awarded the prize as 'Best Instrumentalist' — becoming the first trumpet soloist ever to win it.

Nervous

"It was an amazing experience,"he said. "I've been principal trumpet at the Halle for so many years now and performed under some of the greatest conductors in major concert halls throughout the world, but I don't think I've ever felt as nervous as I did waiting to play my first solo entry!"

He added: "There was a moment when I thought — what am I doing here? The nerves were something else, but as soon as I started playing I really enjoyed myself."

No stranger

Gareth is no stranger to the brass band world, having being brought up to play with the Penclawdd Band in west Wales under the baton of his father, Tony.

He last played for the band at a contest as recently as the First Section National Finals in 2013, and was delighted that his family could see him don the famous black, red and gold uniform.

In the blood

"Brass banding is in the blood,"he said. "I'm very proud of my banding band roots — and so are many brass players in the best orchestras around the world.

The Halle's Music Director Sir Mark Elder even came up on Monday morning to congratulate me and find out more about what I had been doing on the weekend.

The rest of the brass section thought I was mad though — although I think they were also a bit jealous too! Playing six hours of tonic and dominant music was a bit different on my first day back I have to say!"

In a neat twist of contesting fate, the award as 'Best Instrumentalist' in the Challenge Section was won by Giuliano Sommerhalder, who just happens to be a former first trumpet player of the world famous Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra.

The Halle's Music Director Sir Mark Elder even came up on Monday morning to congratulate me and find out more about what I had been doing on the weekendGareth Small

In shape

Gareth also revealed that he made sure his lip was in shape before the event with a 14 day tour to Italy with London Brass.

"We did 13 concerts in two weeks — so I was in pretty good shape when I went to rehearsals. What a band though and what wonderful players they have. It was astonishing at times. The piece was incredible too — as hard as anything you get to play in the orchestra. The nerves were jangling, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything."

Artist in Association

Gareth will now maintain a close connection with Black Dyke over the coming year following his appointment as Artist in Association — a role which he has been delighted to take on.

"I have over 20 years of teaching experience at the Royal Academy, Royal Northern and Chetham's School which I want to bring to the band in this exciting new role.

I want to help the young players develop their skills and hopefully widen their experience to help them on their musical careers. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to work with Prof Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke."