4BR has been informed of the death of former Brighouse & Rastrick co-principal cornet player Peter Teal.

He started playing the cornet aged 6 under the supervision of his father Ronald and joined his first band Clifton & Lightcliffe where his father was the conductor.

At the age of 7 he performed a duet alongside the great Willie Lang, the then principal cornet of Black Dyke Mills Band in a duet at Hailfax Victoria Theatre. He soon became one of the most sought after young players in Yorkshire banding, making a fine reputation for himself in the hard school of local solo competitions.

30 years at B&R

Keen to improve he then moved to Crossley Carpets Works Band where he furthered his reputation before joining Brighouse & Rastrick in 1958. For a short period he was the band's principal cornet player but then moved onto co-principal.

He remained part of the cornet section for the following 30 years.

His renowned slow melody playing and tonality became the perfect foil to his great friend Tony Whitaker who he sat next to for many years.

He was an integral part of the band's many successes — including playing the solo passages in their 1969 National Championship title success on 'High Peak' and again in 1973 on 'Freedom'.

He was also part of the band that won the 1968 National title and BBC Band of the Year title, the Granada Band of the Year title in 1975, the British Open in 1978, Yorkshire Regional Championship in 1979, 1984 and 1986, the National Championship of Great Britain in 1980 and the European Championship in 1981.

He played flugel on the band's pop record success 'The Floral Dance' in 1977.

He was an integral part of the band's many successes — including playing the solo passages in their 1969 National Championship title success on 'High Peak' and again in 1973 on 'Freedom'4BR

Happy to help

Stephen M Howes, Chair of Trustees told 4BR: "After retiring from the band in 1989 Peter was always happy to help out other bands and played with the Drighlington and Diggle Bands."

Peter's playing career ended by being a member of the celebrated Kings of Brass. He was a good friend and colleague and a fine servant to the Brighouse & Rastrick Band.

Funeral

The funeral will be held at Park Wood Crematorium, Park Road, Elland HX5 9HZ on Monday 27th January at 9.45am.