*
banner

BBC reports on Black Dyke's inspirational lead to youngsters

Pupils in a local school are being inspired by Black Dyke as music education funding comes under ever increasing pressure.

Dyjke festival
  The Black Dyke Festival sees the band link up with local bands

Black Dyke is playing its part inspiring the next generation of young Yorkshire players according to a report on the front page of the BBC website today (Tuesday 8th May)

In a feature about the ongoing nationwide pressure on the provision of music education in schools, BBC Education reporter Judith Burns features the pupils of the Foxhill Primary School in Queensbury in Bradford — home to the most famous brass band in the world.

Bold decision

It highlights the bold decision of the Head teacher Sally Hey to lead the way a decade ago in creating a brass band in the school — one that now its section at the recent Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech & Drama.

It also shed a light on the incredible work of Garry Walls, who undertakes unpaid teaching work at the school and leads the evening rehearsals that see families come together to play, and the connection with Black Dyke that has already seen the youngtsers perform with the Yorkshire Champion.

All the members of Black Dyke Band just started out like us. And we could be like them if we keep pushing forwardFoxhill Primary School pupil

Amazing results

Both Sally and Garry talk of the amazing results achieved by having over 80 pupils learning instruments — and of their fear that further 'standstill' budget settlements over the next three years could seriously impact on their work.

And as a youngster tells the BBC reporter: "All the members of Black Dyke Band just started out like us. And we could be like them if we keep pushing forward."

Go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-43871069

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    


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: Cofio Aberfan (Alex Scaife McGee)

September 16 • A moving work that marks the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy designed for commemorative programmes, civic events, and concert performances.


Bob Stradling

Super Dep adds to the ranks at Easington Colliery

September 16 • The vastly experienced and versatile Bob Stradling has been welcomed into the full time ranks of Easington Colliery.


Red Admiral

Red Admiral Contest to be live-streamed

September 16 • NXTOD will once again provide live-stream action from all sections of the popular Red Admiral Entertainment Contest.


Agnew

Test Match interest in British Open

September 16 • The BBC cricket commentators were keeping ear on the action from Symphony Hall on the weekend.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


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


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • BBb Bass - We're a First Section band, looking for a BBb Bass with the musical ability and commitment to perform at that level. Are you the rock solid foundation, to compliment our amazing Bass team?


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • Principle Euphonium - We are looking for an accomplished soloist within Wokingham and surrounding areas, with the confidence and expression to take on the bands prominent Euphonium features and solos. . If this is you, please get in touch.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Andy Wareham

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd