*
banner

Death of Geoffrey Harrison

The death has been reported of the respected bandsman Geoffrey Harrison.

Crossleys
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Geoffrey Harrison, a euphonium player of distinction well known in West Yorkshire and Lancashire.

He passed away peacefully in the morning of Wednesday, 15th October at his home in Midgley, near Halifax. He was 74. His partner Ann was with him.

Skills

Born in Cresswell, Derbyshire, Geoffrey was the son of John and Edna Harrison.

John was the soprano player of the renowned Cresswell Colliery Band at the time, later becoming the respected MD of Crossley's Carpet Works Band in Halifax before moving to St. Dennis in Cornwall in 1955 where Geoffrey honed his playing skills.

Later, Geoffrey played solo euphonium with Craghead Colliery Band as well as enjoying spells with Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) and Crossley's Junior Band, before being appointed solo euphonium at Crossley’s (above) under his father, making his début at the Royal Albert Hall on ‘Le Roi d' Ys’.

Le Roi d'Y's

Although the winners, Black Dyke, played the test piece on television after the results, when Geoff Whitham famously gave his second performance of the day, the first nationwide rendition of the famous solo was by Geoffrey.

Earlier in the day the contest was halted for seven minutes for a prearranged slot in the BBC Light Programme when Crossley's (and Geoffrey) played to the nation. The band eventually came fifth.

Successes

Geoffrey played solo euphonium until the band's demise in the late 1960's including their two podium prizewinning performances at the Albert Hall, their Yorkshire Area Championship victory and British Open podium finish in 1962. He played on all the band's LP recordings.

Subsequently he went on to join Geoffrey Whitham, playing tenor horn with Hammond's Sauce Works before rejoining his father at British Vita, Lindley and Hebden Bridge Bands.

In the 1990's, John Harrison was asked to come out of retirement to help re-establish Elland Silver and enjoyed further spells with Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) and Middleton — and was part of their Third Section Nationals win of 2007.

Earlier in the day the contest was halted for seven minutes for a prearranged slot in the BBC Light Programme when Crossley's (and Geoffrey) played to the nation4BR

Regular

Shortly afterwards, Geoffrey joined his last band, West Yorkshire Brass, a non-contesting band and was a keen regular attender until ill-health prevailed.

Service

His funeral service will take place at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, West Yorkshire on Monday, 27th October, 2014 at 1.30 pm. A reception will be held afterwards at Elland Cricket Club.

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    


Holme Valley

Full house signs up for Holme Valley Contest

April 2 • A fine turn out of bands have been attracted to compete at the Holme Valley Contest later this month.


Besson

Hodgkiss claims Besson prize at RWCM&D

April 2 • Ebbw Valley euphonium player Ollie Hodgkiss has claimed the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Besson Solo Brass Prize.


Thea Musgrave

Thea Musgrave Funds set up to help musicians

April 2 • Two new funds supported by the celebrated British composer have been set up in collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Society


Motor City

Motor City welcomes guests for preview

April 2 • Motor City Brass Band will be hosting a special National Preview concert ahead of their trip to Fort Wayne this weekend.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd