Black Dyke has announced that Daniel Thomas has been appointed as their new solo euphonium.

The third year student at the RNCM in Manchester follows in the footsteps of some of the finest ever players in the banding world to occupy the Queensbury chair, including the likes of Phineas Bowers, Geoffrey Whitham, John Clough and David Thornton.

Third Welshman

He also becomes just the third Welshman following Rowland Jones and Robert Childs to occupy the seat, and will take over the role with immediate effect from Gary Curtin who is to join Foden's in the New Year.

Before joining Black Dyke, Daniel was solo euphonium at Tredegar Band where he won the Geoffrey Whitham Memorial Trophy as 'Best Euphonium' at the 2013 British Open.

In 2016 his talent blossomed further when he won the Radio 2 Young Brass Award and claimed the Blue Riband soloist prize at the prestigious International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (ITEC) in the USA.

Great talent

Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "Daniel is a truly great talent. He has such an effervescent character and simply loves performing on euphonium.

We have been able to nurture his talent at Black Dyke and now feel that this is the perfect time for him to join the long line of the finest players to become solo euphonium of the most famous band in the world.

I'm looking forward to supporting this gifted young man to achieve his highest goals."

Meanwhile, outgoing solo euphonium and friend Gary Curtin simply added: "Huge congratulations!"

Daniel is a truly great talent. He has such an effervescent character and simply loves performing on euphoniumProf Nicholas Childs

Excited and honoured

Daniel responded by telling 4BR: "I'm excited and honoured to accept my new position with the band, and it is one that I've strived for all my playing life. I know my fellow players at Black Dyke will support me as I move to the next chapter in my playing career."

Daniel's debut as solo euphonium will be on Sunday 18th December at Huddersfield Town Hall.