Brass band lovers throughout the Midlands and beyond will have a ‘Double’ treat to look forward in March next year, with the news that North East Derbyshire District Council will be hosting a concert featuring 2014 British Open and National Champions, Black Dyke.

The evening concert will take place at Dronfield Sports Centre on Saturday 21st March and will round off a wonderful day of music making which will also see the band under Prof Nicholas Childs leading a free workshop event.

Huge coup

Council Leader, Councillor Graham Baxter MBE told 4BR: “This is a huge coup for us and we are delighted to have secured the services of the undisputed best band in the world!

Brass band music is enjoying a resurgence in our area due to the historic connection to the mining industry, and so we are expecting a sell-out crowd.

If anyone wants to take part or just enjoy the concert I would urge them to buy their tickets now or run the risk of not being part of a truly memorable event.”

Free workshop

The free Black Dyke workshop is aimed at junior brass and percussion players up to the age of 25, as well as Grade 3 players in their early stages of their playing development.

The lucky players will work with the likes of Prof Childs, Richard Marshall, Jonathan Bates and Gary Curtin, with those of Grade 4 standard performing at the concert with Black Dyke in a massed band item.

Opportunity

Councillor Baxter MBE added: “We want to give young musicians every chance to take part in the arts and this workshop is a great opportunity for young people to learn and improve their skills.”

The Mighty Creatives are funding the workshops in an effort to champion young people’s creativity and innovation as part of its locally based ‘Partners’ programme.

We want to give young musicians every chance to take part in the arts and this workshop is a great opportunity for young people to learn and improve their skillsCouncil Leader, Councillor Graham Baxter MBE

Concert tickets and contact information:

Tickets are on sale now priced at £7 adults and £5 concessions and can be bought from Dronfield Sports centre and the Council offices on Saltergate, Chesterfield.

If anyone aged 25 and under wants to take part in the Workshops they should telephone Carole Hirst on 07979 240423 for an application form.