*
banner

Huddersfield offers students creative opportunities

The opportunity to works with leading brass band tutors in a thriving creative environment is being offered by the music courses at the University of Huddersfield.

Huddersfield
  The University of Huddersfield is offering opportunities for brass students

With A Level results and university 'clearing' only days away, brass students may want to consider studying alongside two of the banding world's outstanding performers according to University of Huddersfield (UoH), Head of Brass, Richard Ward.

"UoH Music & Drama is one of the largest such university departments in the UK,"he told 4BR.

"In 2019 UoH was ranked the 25th in the world for Performing Arts by the QS World University Rankings. Brass has always been an important part of this thriving department I think it's great students are part of this wider creative environment."

Fantastic

He added: "We've fantastic brass tutors for all brass instruments. The three year degrees are taught by 'TEF Gold Award' tutors and the flexibility of the course means students aren't tied down and can explore many different paths

All this and the UoH Brass Band, which is open to all students, is twice winners of UniBrass and placed 3rd and the highest university department band for the last three years."

Two of the leading tutors are Carlton Main Frickley principal cornet Kirsty Abbotts and Black Dyke solo euphonium Dan Thomas, with Kirsty telling 4BR: "Huddersfield has an extremely welcoming environment and I'm already looking forward to introducing myself to the new students in September.

The degree courses can be tailored to suit a student's strengths and is flexible to explore skills they didn't realise they had, or go in new directions. All that and there is of course the renowned UoH Brass Band!"

Attraction

One of Kirsty's current students is Black Dyke solo horn, Brass Pass Young Brass Award winner, Siobhan Bates who confirmed to 4BR the attraction of studying at Huddersfield.

"Kirsty is an amazing musician and inspires me every lesson without fail. It's such a huge bonus to get the time with her. She does so much work for me behind the scenes and is always so willing to help!"

Euphonium player Tom Cobham is equally positive about Dan Thomas: "Having Dan as my teacher has significantly improved my playing. Not only has he helped with my technical ability but his supportive and friendly manner has improved my confidence".

In response Dan told 4BR: "I really like the friendly atmosphere at Huddersfield and I'd love to welcome more euphonium and baritone players to the team in September!"

More information:

More information about Clearing and Music at the University can be found:

https://www.hud.ac.uk/clearing/
https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/music-bmus-hons

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Cheltenham

Runners and riders confirmed for Cheltenham

September 10 • The official list of competing bands and their conductors for the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals has been released by Kapitol Promotions.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd