*
banner

Irwin looks forward to high wire role at Dyke

Martin Irwin has just made his debut sop appearance at Black Dyke and is now looking forward to the major challenges of the Open and Nationals with his new instrument in hand.

mARTIN iRWIN
  Martin Irwin has taken over the Black Dyke soprano role and is looking forward to the major championship challenges

Black Dyke's soprano player Martin Irwin has told 4BR that he is looking forward to the British Open in Birmingham next month following his concert return to the high-wire seat last weekend with the band.

And although he did reveal to 4BR that he has never quite lost touch with soprano playing over the years, this will be the first time that he has taken on the role on a permanent basis with the Queensbury band.

"I played sop with Brighouse on three separate occasions in the past, so it's always been in the blood so to speak,"he said.

"That's why I'm really looking forward to it this time, especially as there's some great music to look forward to at the British Open and National Finals."

Tribute

Martin also paid tribute to former Dyke sop player Benjamin Richeton, and to Ronnie Tennant at Band Supplies who delivered a number of leading instrument brands to him to try before he made his choice of a Stomvi.

"Ben will be a hard act to follow, as he was such a cool performer under pressure.

Prof Childs instinctively knew I would be interested in taking over as I've doubled up on a few occasions when two sop parts were needed and occasionally depped, so as soon as I told him yes, Band Supplies had delivered the instruments for me to try out."

Prof Childs instinctively knew I would be interested in taking over... so as soon as I told him yes, Band Supplies had delivered the instruments for me to try outMartin Irwin

Stomvi choice

He added: "My thanks go to them for enabling me to take my time making my choice. Each instrument had its strengths, but I was particularly impressed with the Stomvi, which responded immediately to the way I played.

I enjoyed my first outing at the recent concert in Glastonbury Abbey, and now it's down to some hard practice for the British Open."

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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd