The young players of Dobcross Youth Band are putting in the hard work by trying to be a Cutt above the rest in the Fourth Section North West Regional Championships.

Teaming up

The band is to team up with Garry Cutt for a workshop rehearsal on the set work, Eric Ball’s ‘Devon Fantasy’, whilst they will also be working with the Polyphonic Brass Quintet, including Andy Dallimore, Dave Pickles, Simon Dunkley, Dobcross MD Jonathan Parkes and tuba star Les Neish.

The day will include a short concert by the quintet, followed by sectionals on the area test piece and general workshops

Rub off

Jonathan Parkes told 4BR: "It’s great for us to be put through our paces by Garry. His experience will surely rub off on the young players – and we are all excited about the workshop and what we hope to take from it."

It’s great for us to be put through our paces by Garry. His experience will surely rub off on the young players – and we are all excited about the workshop and what we hope to take from it.Jonathan Parkes

New principal

The band has also welcome its new principal cornet player in time for the workshop and area test. Jason Smethurst has been a long time member of the band and has come up through the ranks to now head the band’s assault at Blackpool.