Black Dyke is seeking applications from musicians between the ages of 11 and 25 to become the Yorkshire band's 'Young Composer in Residence' for 2018/19.

It follows the success of the appointments of Jonathan Bates, who worked alongside Edward Gregson and Matthew Eden who linked up with Peter Graham in the past two years, to gain guidance in the art of brass band composition and to write a large scale work to be premiered and performed by the Black Dyke Band.

This year the successful candidate will work with Prof Philip Wilby as a mentor.

Guidance

The scheme is made possible through Black Dyke's Arts Council England grant award and is a three-year initiative aimed at developing the art of brass band composition through performance and guidance from esteemed composers of the genre.

Those wishing to be considered should send a CV by e-mail and submit a sample portfolio of compositions which will be assessed by Prof Wilby. He will also produce a short list and will make the final decision.

Worldwide profile

The successful candidate will enjoy the opportunity of working closely with both Prof Wilby and Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs.

He told 4BR: "We have enjoyed working with two outstanding young composers in Jonathan Bates and Matthew Eden, and in performing their works.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a musician to gain invaluable mentoring from a true great of composition for the brass band medium — and to lead to producing a major work that will gain a worldwide profile through performances by Black Dyke Band."

This is a wonderful opportunity for a musician to gain invaluable mentoring from a true great of composition for the brass band mediumProf Nicholas Childs

Contact:

Expressions of interest should be sent to:
Black Dyke Band Secretary: David Hirst
secblackdykeband@btinternet.com

The closing date is January 31st