*
banner

Thornton to lead Low Brass

Low Brass spotlight features at forthcoming Brass Arts Festival.

Thornton
 

Just one of the exciting features at the Black Dyke Brass Arts Festival will be the Euphonium, Baritone and Tuba Spotlight event, taking place on Saturday 5th April at Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingly campus.

Spotlight

The 'Spotlight' will run from 13.30 until 17.30 and is an opportunity for all low brass players to attend workshop sessions with Black Dyke's bass end players, as well as a recital by David Thornton and Joseph Cook, and a world premiere performance by Scherzo Brass, the all-female group, recently crowned British Open Quartet Champions.

It is intended to inspire and stimulate players through practical classes on key skills used at contests and during concerts4BR

Free sessions

The Spotlight includes sessions which are free to attend, aimed at players of any age or standard to participate or simply observe and led by Black Dyke soloists David Thornton and Joe Cook, and assisted by John French, Phil Goodwin, Matt Routley, Danny Sinclair, Gareth Brindle and Gareth Daniel – a team which boasts over 80 years of Black Dyke experience between them!

Inspire

It is intended to inspire and stimulate players through practical classes on key skills used at contests and during concerts (including playing in the section and how to cope with nerves) and will feature recital performances by David Thornton and Joseph Cook, as well as featuring a guest performance by the British Open Quartet Champions – Scherzo Brass

Interested?

It is being held at Leeds Metropolitan University – Headingly Campus (LS6 3QS), James Graham Building, Jubilee Room and those interested in attending can download a simple registration form from www.davethornton.co.uk.

Practical sessions

David Thornton commented to 4BR: "Alongside our youth education initiatives (which have come to fruitition in the form of the Yorkshire Youth Band) Black Dyke are keen to help bands within our community to develop and flourish, as well as those further a field. This event offers a series of free sessions that have real relevance to banding life and the practical skills involved in furthering bands and the players within them."

Further programming details for this exciting event will be released in the coming weeks.

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    


Willebroek

World Rankings: September 2026

October 1 • Brass Band Willebroek makes history, claiming top spot in 4barsrest World Rankings after double runner-up finishes at World Championships and British Open.


wOBPLAY

Albert Hall performances to be recorded by World of Brass

September 30 • All the performances from the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall will be audio recorded by World of Brass and made available on wobplay after the results.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert announces adjudication panels

September 30 • The judges that will make the decisions at the 49th Brass in Concert Championships have been announced.


4BR podcast

4BR Podcast: Live National Championship Preview

September 30 • Join us on Thursday night for the the 4BR preview of the event and the issues that surround it.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd