An all female ensemble from Black Dyke will be heading east this July for a tour of Japan — further strengthening the musical links the Queensbury band has with the country.

'Team Girl' (below) will be undertaking a week-long tour of Osaka and the surrounding Kansai region and will perform with Girls Brass Band Mikeneko; an all-female band comprising top players from around Japan.

'Team Girl' and Mikeneko will perform together in a major concert in the city's Concert Hall on 24th July before moving on to Nishinomiya — a smaller city halfway between Osaka and Kobe — to deliver masterclasses and workshops for high-school students and their families.

Thrilled

Spokesperson Katrina Marzella told 4BR: "As the female representatives of Black Dyke we are thrilled to be invited to tour Japan. The band has a well-established musical link that has been developed over many years, with Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs being a regular visitor.

The brass band scene is thriving in the country and we are looking forward to working with the enthusiastic musicians and especially with Girls Brass Band Mikeneneko, which is a leading-light in female music making in Japan."

Opportunities

Katrina added: "We are proud to help Black Dyke develop its worldwide links — not just musically but also in new communities where there is the promotion of exciting opportunities for girls and women from all backgrounds.

We are especially looking forward to the educational element of our trip — including tutoring high-school students and performing a special 'Mum & Kids' concert in Nishinomiya — as well as experiencing the famous Japanese culture and hospitality."

We are proud to help Black Dyke develop its worldwide links — not just musically but also in new communities where there is the promotion of exciting opportunities for girls and women from all backgroundsKatrina Marzella

Worldwide profile

Black Dyke's Musical Director Professor Nicholas Childs also added his support to his Team Girl representatives. "Black Dyke has a worldwide profile and has strong links to Japan stretching back over 30 years or more.

This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen those links further with these great ambassadors for the band."

image courtesy of John Stirzaker