*
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    


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Derwent Brass

Results: 2026 Wychavon Festival of Brass

November 1 • Derwent Brass leads the entertainment prize winners in Evesham, with section titles for Fulham Brass, Staines Brass, Avonbank (Evesham) and Arrow Valley Brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

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


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Regent Brass

October 30 • Regent Brass (MD Alan Duguid) have a vacancy for Bass Trombone.. We are a friendly and progressive championship section band regularly promoting new music and actively pursues a varied performance schedule. .


Tintwistle Band

October 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd