Black Dyke continues to lead the way with the type of innovative community led projects that sees initial enthusiastic ambition turned into highly professional reality.

As a result of over a year of focussed planning, linked to tightly defined co-operation and funding streams, it brought together arts bodies and broadcasters, schools and private housing developers, composers, documentary film makers, tutors, poets and iPad artists alongside the newly crowned Yorkshire Regional Champion.

Communal pride

Broadcast live over the internet, it was an evening brimming with communal pride - especially from the wonderful children of the local primary schools who played their part with their vibrant percussion playing in one of the two special music commissions. 

‘Portraits of Tibshelf’ by Jonathan Bates was a community piece that featured performers from Tibshelf Infant & Nursary School, Town End Junior School and Tibshelf Community School alongside a film created by Martyn Harris of the work of iPad artist Mik Godley - whose magical sketches emerged in detail and complexity as the music (featuring the children having a great time) alongside Black Dyke, developed.

In addition came ‘A Tibshelf Tale’ by Philip Sparke - a more extended composition that was in essence a musical portrait of the small north east Derbyshire town (again enhanced by a wonderful film by Martyn Harris) featuring the poetry of Matt Black, narrated by Frank Renton. 

Extended legacy

The works were developed over the preceding months, with Jonathan and Simone Rebello, Martyn, Matt and Mik working with the children to develop ideas, skills and content for the compositions.  Crucially, both will now have an extended legacy - with Jonathan’s easily amended for use in just about any community event and Philip’s perhaps becoming a highly enjoyable test-piece.

However, the key element to the success was not just the performances on the night (Black Dyke in relaxed form), but the invigorating sense of communal achievement: The place was buzzing with hyperactive children, glowing parents, proud local councillors and teachers. Everyone - from the local Keep Moat housing developers to the First Arts organisation broadcasters looked chuffed. And well they might be. 

It was a triumph for the communal spirit of musical inclusion. 
 
Iwan Fox