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."