Black Dyke's principal cornet player Richard Marshall recently spent a full day tutoring the cornet players from The Band of the King's Division.

It proved to be a hugely beneficial visit, with Richard telling 4BR that he was deeply impressed not just by the players themselves, but also by the support that is available to be utilised and explored.

Quality

"It's great to be able to work with cornet playing musicians of this quality,"he said.

"The standard of playing is as good as anything you get in top level brass bands, but with an extra level of support that is targeted on enhancing musical skill sets and professional opportunities.

He added: "The King's Division gives musicians exceptional opportunities and I'm delighted to be part of that working with players."

The King's Division gives musicians exceptional opportunities and I'm delighted to be part of that working with playersRichard Marshall

Rewarding

In response the players themselves found the experience very rewarding, with Musn Andrew Ashworth telling 4BR: "Even in the hour I had with Richard I wouldn't have imagined to cover so much.

He structured everything to make focused points – ones that I know I can now work on successfully."

It was the same for Musn Margret Pattie, who added: "Obviously I've only ever heard amazing things about Richard so was really nervous about having a lesson with him. He was a fabulous teacher and really gave me motivation to keep pushing my musical boundaries."

This visit is part of a continued collaboration, with Richard making further visits later this year.