*
banner

Dyke to create youthful history

Black Dyke will create a little bit of history of their own making this weekend at York Minster, with the help of a debutant and an iconic legend.

Black Dyke
 

Black Dyke has confirmed that they will be celebrating a little bit of history at York Minster on Saturday.

Graduation

The iconic venue will host both Black Dyke and the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band in their annual concert, where the current National Champions will celebrate the first official 'graduation' of a player from the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band to make it into the ranks of Black Dyke as a full time player.

Debut

Percussionist Ashley Clegg is to become the first player from the band set up by MD Dr Nicholas Childs to make it into the ranks of the most famous band in the world.

I think it goes to show just how important the Yorkshire Youth Band has become, and I hope that many more players like him will eventually make it though to play with top class bands – including Black DykeDr Nicholas Childs

Hot house

Dr Childs told 4BR: "One of the main aims of the Yorkshire Youth Band was to act as a ‘hot house’ for the most talented young performers in the county, so that they could eventually go on to become players with top bands not just in Yorkshire, but throughout the country."

Important Youth

He added: "Black Dyke was delighted to be able to sign Ashley, especially as he was a player who learned so much on the Youth Band courses. I think it goes to show just how important the Yorkshire Youth Band has become, and I hope that many more players like him will eventually make it though to play with top class bands – including Black Dyke."

Return of an icon

The concert will also see a little bit of history celebrated too, when former principal cornet player James Shepherd makes an emotional return to the band he graced with such brilliance for a decade. James will play a duet with current principal cornet player Richard Marshall.

Icon

"It’s a great thrill for me to have Jim play with the band again," Dr Childs said. "He is a true icon of the banding movement and a true Black Dyke legend. To have him play with Black Dyke once again is something not to be missed, and the young players with the Yorkshire Youth Band will also have the chance to meet Jim too."

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    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Harlow Brass Band

October 25 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd