*
banner

Black Dyke to explore virtual Journey into Freedom

Eric Ball's masterpiece will form part of the musical repertoire performed on their upcoming Virtual Brass Day — so why not take the journey yourself and join them...

Black Dyke
  The Black Dyke Virtual Brass day offers plenty of attractions

Black Dyke Band has announced further details of its forthcoming Virtual Brass Day — including exciting news on the repertoire that will be performed.

The Queensbury band will welcome brass players from all corners of the globe to the day-long event on Saturday 27th March.
Led by Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, it's aimed at providing players of Grade 5 level (or equivalent) a high intensity series of inspirational musical challenges balanced to offer the opportunity to improve all aspects of your playing alongside like-minded brass band friends across the world.

Journey into Freedom

And speaking about the repertoire that will form part of the day, he told 4BR: "I'm delighted that we can balance some wonderful repertoire this year — from the popular to the classic and topped with an exploration and performance of one of the greatest works ever written for the brass band medium.

William Rimmer's 'Punchinello' offers us that classic march, whilst Goff Richard's 'Doyen' is super concert work that is breezy and full of energy. I'm sure the cornets will enjoy flying through 'Bugler's Holiday', and every performer will relish the opportunity to explore and enjoy the challenges of Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom' — one of the greatest works written for brass bands."

Book your place

The Virtual Day will be directed by Prof. Nicholas Childs together with Richard Marshall, Connor Lennon, Siobhan Bates, Brett Baker, Daniel Thomas, Matthew Routley and Gareth Hand.

To book your place contact Course Administrator
Alison Childs alison4horn@btinternet.com
Mob: +44 (0)7802 771735

every performer will relish the opportunity to explore and enjoy the challenges of Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom' — one of the greatest works written for brass bandsProf Nicholas Childs

Saturday 27th March:

Day Schedule (All times are UK GMT)
8.45am: Welcome and Registration
9.00am: Introductions and warm-up (Richard Marshall)
9.15am: Sectionals No.1 with tutors

10.15am: Morning Break

10.30am: Full Band Rehearsal No.1 with Prof. Nick
11.30 am: Motivation & Practice Techniques with Brett Baker
12.00 noon: Musical Quiz with Matthew Routley

12.30pm — 1.15pm: Lunch whilst enjoying the British Bandsman 125th Anniversary concert

1.15pm: Sectionals No.2 with tutors
2.00pm: Full Band rehearsal No.2 with Prof. Nick
2.45pm: Improving your Technique with Richard Marshall
3.15pm: Soloist Spotlight: Daniel Thomas, Siobhan Bates, Brett Baker, Richard Marshall

3.45pm: Break

4.00pm: Meet the Legends — Q & A session
4.30pm: Virtual Concert Performance
5.00pm: Good-byes

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    


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Committee issues Third Section statement

March 8 • The Yorkshire Regional Championship Committee has clarified the reason behind the delay in the announcement of the Third Section results in Huddersfield.


Market Rasen

Results: 2026 Midlands Regional Championships

March 7 • Area title success for GUS, Rushden Town, Market Rasen and Cubbington Silver Band in Bedworth.


Perth

Results: 2026 Scottish Championships

March 7 • Whitburn claim the domestic honours as Kirkintilloch Kelvin, Johnstone, Selkirk Silver and Bon-Accord B take section titles in Perth.


South Yorkshire Police

Results: 2026 Yorkshire Regional Championships

March 7 • Area title success for Hepworth, South Yorkshire Police, Hatfield & Askern Colliery, Drighlington and Queensbury Music Centre in Huddersfield.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Rushden Town Band

March 8 • 2nd Trombone for Midlands Area First Section Champions 2026.


Glossop Old Band

March 7 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

March 6 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd