Black Dyke has announced a further educational initiative as part of their ground-breaking Heritage Centre project.

Over 90 children have signed up to be part of the Arts Award Explorer project, which starts in February, and which will see the youngsters gain a nationally recognised qualification enabling them to progress into further education and employment.

History and heritage

Arts Award has five levels, four of which (Explore, Bronze, Silver, Gold) are on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The participants will work through the Explorer Arts Award which will be based around the history and heritage collection housed at Black Dyke's famous rehearsal rooms in Queensbury.

Forefront

Andrew Tebbs, Heritage Centre curator told 4BR: "Black Dyke is at the forefront of educational development for brass bands in the region, and are grateful to Tony Johnson and his team at Bradford Music Hub for their help and assistance in this project."

The band has also developed their own arts award booklet to assist each student to complete the required number of assignments and guide them through the assessment process.

Embraced concept

Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs added: "Black Dyke has fully embraced the concept of educating and developing the brass band players of the future.

This outstanding scheme validates the work of the youngsters and offers them the opportunity to gain a qualification worthy of their efforts."

Black Dyke has fully embraced the concept of educating and developing the brass band players of the future. This outstanding scheme validates the work of the youngstersProf Nicholas Childs

Further information

Anyone interested in further information about Black Dyke Band's Arts Award initiative should contact David Hirst at secblackdykeband@btinternet.com

The initiative has been supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.