Listen to the Band
26th July:

Philip Harper is conductor of the No.1 band in the world — the Cory Band. He's also a composer, arranger, publisher and until recently was editor of Brass Band World magazine.

He tells Frank Renton about the joys and pitfalls of being a conductor, recalls his early days in Essex and his journey from there to playing with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He also acknowledges the impact of working with Roy Newsome and suggests a personal way forward for band writing in the future.

Listen to the Band
2nd August:

From its very beginnings, brass band repertoire has always reflected the popular music of the day.

Frank Renton presents a programme made up of music featuring in the theatres of London including memorable moments from 'The Lion King', 'Thriller', 'Wicked', 'Les Miserables' and 'Matilda'.

Listen to the Band
9th August:

Frank Renton features, and plays in Black Dyke's celebratory 160th anniversary concert under conductors Nicholas Childs and Derek Broadbent.

82 past and present members created a unique reunion band which included the legendary cornet star Jim Shepherd. We hear again Eric Ball's iconic 'Journey into Freedom' which in 1967 Black Dyke gave one of the greatest winning performances at the National Championships.

Richard Marshall proves that the solo cornet chair is still in the safest of hands with a stunning performance of the virtuosic 'Miss Blue Bonnet'.

Listen to the Band
16th August:

More from the Black Dyke 160th anniversary concert with an affectionate look back at some notable events in the band's history, such as their collaboration with The Beatles.

We hear a trio of stars — the legendary cornet player Jim Shepherd, current principal cornet Richard Marshall and previous top-man Matt Baker who combine in a performance of 'Trumpets Wild'.

Also heard is the first performance of 'Symphony in Scarlet and Gold' specially written for the concert by Peter Graham.

Listen to the Band
23rd August:

With music by Elton John, John Williams, Paul Lovatt-Cooper and the sensational playing of euphonium star David Childs, Frank Renton takes the band into outer space.

Listen to the Band
30th August:

Frank Renton with all the news, reviews and classic brass tracks.

Listen to the Band
6th September:

Frank Renton with Tim Mutum who's been delving into his personal archive of historic band recordings

Listen to the Band
13th September:

Brighouse & Rastrick, Black Dyke, Cory, Foden's and defending champion Grimethorpe Colliery are amongst the bands who competed at the 164th British Open Championship.

Recorded at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Frank Renton gives a flavour of the excitement, music and conversation as Peter Graham's 'The Triumph of Time' is performed.

Listen to the Band
20th September:

Radio 2 Young Brass Award winner Daniel Thomas in concert with Black Dyke at the Sunday Brass Gala recorded in Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

He recalls the excitement of the winning night with Frank Renton who presents the popular afternoon concert given by Black Dyke, Foden's and Cory Bands.

Listen to the Band
27th September:

The Sunday Brass Gala in Symphony Hall following the Open Championships is one of the most popular events in the banding year. Frank Renton presents highlights of the concert which features Black Dyke, Foden's and Cory Bands.

Listen to the Band
4th October:

More from the Sunday Brass Gala at Symphony Hall following the British Open Championship.