*
banner

Black Dyke legends join virtual day

The legendary James Shepherd and John Clough will join delegates on the forthcoming Black Dyke Virtual Brass Day.

Dyke
  The 1967 band enjoy their moment of glory at the Albert Hall in 1967

Two legendary Queensbury players will be returning to Black Dyke next month to be part of the band's Virtual Brass Day

The day long event on 27th March has already attracted delegates from across the banding globe.

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 not only will the performers get to play some fantastic music from the likes of William Rimmer and Goff Richards, they will also work on a performance of Eric Ball's iconic test-piece, 'Journey into Freedom'.

And to help celebrate and understand it better, Prof Childs will welcome two players who performed on the National Championship winning performance of the piece in 1967 at the Royal Albert Hall — James Shepherd and John Clough.

The legendary principal cornet and solo euphonium are rightly regarded as perhaps two of the greatest players ever to wear the famous black, red and gold uniform, with both their solo and band performances still enjoyed on recordings.

Memorable

Both were integral members of the 1967 band that under Geoffrey Brand claimed the title in memorable fashion.

James Shepherd was principal cornet at Black Dyke from 1963 to 1973, whilst John Clough was solo euphonium from 1963 to 1988.

Prof Childs told 4BR that he was especially thrilled that the two iconic players will join the day for a very special 'Q&A' session.

"James and John are Black Dyke legends and my thanks got o them for joining us for the event. I'm sure there will be plenty of questions for them to answer — and some wonderful memories to recall of their time with the band and that memorable Albert Hall victory."

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

Prof Childs will welcome two players who performed on the National Championship winning performance of the piece in 1967 at the Royal Albert Hall4BR

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    


Spring Festival

2027 Spring Festival test-pieces announced

October 14 • Works by Philip Sparke, Robert Redhead and Derek Bourgeois will test the aspiring British Open credentials of the competing bands at the Spring Festival next May.


Ellerby

Yorkshire Youth Band enjoys first Dance moves of new season

October 14 • A new work by composer Martin Ellerby has helped inspire the players on the Yorkshire Youth Band course.


gENEVA

Geneva launch Academy range to give long term term support to players and retailers

October 14 • The Geneva Academy Series is aimed at providing a sustainable musical future for players and retailers alike.


EBBA

EBBA drops Challenge Section in 1 year trial

October 14 • There will be no Challenge Section at the 2027 European Brass Band Championships in Montreux.


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 13 • Could you be our next PRINCIPAL CORNET player? and the final piece of our jigsaw!. We are PROMOTED TO THE 1st SECTION in January 2027 as North West 2nd Section Champions of 2026. We are a friendly bunch, have a great mix of ages and sensible mix of jobs


St Michael's Band

October 13 • St Michael’s Band Middleton is a community based non-contesting band looking for players in all sections but particularly cornets front and back row. You’d be very welcome if you are returning to playing or indeed need band experience as a new player


Chinnor Silver

October 12 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join and enhance our top line.. We are a 1st Section band with a good mix of concerts and contests planned,including a trip to Belgium next year.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd