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.