Black Dyke will pay tribute next month to one of the Yorkshire brass banding movement's most remarkable personalities and enthusiasts.
The Queensbury Band will be featured in a special concert at Doncaster Minster on Saturday 23rd February to honour the life and musical career of the late Haydn Griffiths MBE.
Passion
Haydn, who died in October 2018, served his local community and the Armthorpe Elmfield Band for over nine decades with a passion that never dimmed. He was awarded the MBE in 2002.
A highly respected player with the likes of Carlton Main, Cresswell, Grimethorpe and Markham Main Colliery Bands, he formed the Armfield Elmfield Band in 1964 — becoming an indefatigable figure head for the next 50 years or more. He made his last appearance at their helm at the 2018 Yorkshire Regional Championships.
He was also a great fan of Black Dyke, who he held in great respect and affection throughout his career, and was thrilled when he was asked to conduct them on their appearances at both Selby Abbey and Scunthorpe Baths.
Finest
Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR that it was an honour to be able to pay tribute to one of the finest brass band musicians in Yorkshire banding.
"It was always a pleasure to meet and chat with Haydn — who spoke some of best common sense
I've heard about how to enjoy conducting a brass band. His dedication to the banding movement was incredible and he was an inspiration to countless hundreds of players over the years.
I hope lots of his old colleagues, friends and former players come along to help us pay tribute to a great man, and a wonderful musician with a programme of music he would have loved."
His dedication to the banding movement was incredible and he was an inspiration to countless hundreds of players over the yearsProf Nicolas Childs
Time and place
Saturday 23rd February
Doncaster Minster (DN1 1RD)
Tickets: standard £14 & VIP £21
Available from:
Cast Theatre
Tel: 01302 303959
Online: https://booking.bookinghound.com/fe/book?og=287a2dfb-5b5f-4d08-8218-f4daa2dcf43b
Armthorpe Elmfield Band:
Tel: 01405 762827
