*
banner

Death of euphonium legend

4BR has been informed of the death of Geoffrey Whitham

Whitham
 

Geoffrey Whitham, one of the true greats of the brass band movement has died following a long battle with ill health.

Distinction

Born in 1932, in Queensbury, he was principal euphonium player with the Black Dyke Band from 1950-1963. He went on to become bandmaster for a further two years, before taking the post of MD of the Hammonds Sauce Band, whom he lead with distinction and success for well over 20 years.

He began his playing career in 1942 with Black Dyke Junior Band, transferring to the senior band in 1947 as 2nd baritone under the direction of the equally legendary Arthur O. Pearce.

It is obvious that the euphonium soloist is an artist. He plays this famous, but enormously difficult solo with tenderness and touching simplicityFrank Wright

Iconic

He became solo euphonium with Black Dyke in 1950, replacing Denzil Stephens and became an integral member of the Black Dyke Quartet.

He featured in many major contesting successes, but it was his unforgettable performance of the treacherous solo part of ‘Le Roi d’Y’s at the National Finals of 1959 that sealed his iconic playing status.

Artist

Adjudicator, Frank Wright, wrote in his remarks: "It is obvious that the euphonium soloist is an artist. He plays this famous, but enormously difficult solo with tenderness and touching simplicity. Perhaps singers of this ‘Rosenn’ aria might take a lesson from him."

Experience

Geoffrey Whitham also gained considerable experience playing tenor and bass tuba with some of the country’s leading orchestras, including the Liverpool Philharmonic, the City of Birmingham and the Halle, where he played under Sir John Barbirolli.

Kings of Brass

He was for some time the co- conductor of the ‘Kings of Brass’, and in 1979 was awarded the Iles Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his outstanding contribution to the brass band movement, and in 1999 he received the All England Masters Dedicated Service Award.

In the last month or so he made a welcome appearance at the Black Dyke Brass Festival in Leeds, where he regaled a spellbound audience with his usual treasure trove of stories and humourous anecdotes.

Funeral

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 22nd July, 1.45pm at Halifax Parish Church, followed by a private commital at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland.

After the funeral people are invited to Sandal Farm Restaurant, Queensbury. Any donations to cancer research.

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd