Dobcross Youth Band has just enjoyed a busy few weeks preparing for the North West Area Championships, where despite their result, they were encouraged by the contest progress they are now starting to make under the baton of the talented James Garlick.

Grimey help

The band has benefited greatly from the help and support of members of Grimethorpe Colliery Band who came and worked with the band and who gave young players invaluable advice.

Excited

MD, James Garlick told 4BR: "The end result wasn’t that important as we are looking towards the future. We were a bit disappointed of course, but we are more excited about the way in which we can improve. The help from the lads at Grimethorpe has been tremendous."

Dobcross continue to enjoy strong links with Grimethorpe and players from the band regularly travel over regularly to help younger players in their development.

Marshall

Meanwhile, the band is excited about the prospect of working closely with Black Dyke principal cornet payer Richard Marshall. "We have a concert with Richard as our guest soloist in March, and the youngsters can’t wait to hear him play," James added.