*
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    


RAH

MPs vote against Albert Hall ticket proposals

June 16 • A Private Members Bill to amend the constitution of the charity that runs the Royal Albert Hall and its long held ticketing policy has been defeated in Parliament amid accusations of "outrageous profiteering".


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd