*
banner

Thornton heads to Grimethorpe

Dr David Thornton has left his role as Resident Conductor at Brighouse & Rastrick to become Musical Director at Grimethorpe Colliery Band with immediate effect.

David Thornton
  Dr David Thornton will become Musical Director at Grimethorpe Colliery Band with immediate effect

Grimethorpe Colliery Band has stunned the banding world with the announcement that Dr. David Thornton has become their new Musical Director with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for the band said: "We're thrilled that David has agreed to accept the role. He is rightly regarded as one of the foremost euphonium players and teachers of his generation, but his reputation as a soloist has been increasingly matched by his work as a conductor.

His ambition and professionalism has greatly impressed the band and we're looking forward to working with him to help achieve our artistic and performance objectives over the coming years."

Right person

They added: "He is without question the right person to lead the band through the next stage in our development."

The news will certainly shock fans of Brighouse & Rastrick after he led the band to the Yorkshire Regional title in Huddersfield earlier this year and had just completed an eagerly anticipated CD recording with the band and Steven Mead. His last contest appearance was at the recent UK Band of the Year event in June.

David Thornton is currently the Senior Tutor in Brass Band Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as holding teaching roles for the euphonium and chamber music at Chetham's School of Music.

He has also gained increasing critical acclaim for his conducting accomplishments and musical outlook, which has included successful freelance work with the likes of Hepworth, Aldbourne and Redbridge.

Honoured

Speaking about his appointment he said: "I'm honoured to be offered such a hugely exciting opportunity.

Within the banding world Grimethorpe is an iconic name with a reputation for musical excellence. I'm looking forward to working with a great team to build upon their unrivalled ability to entertain and their desire for success. I can't wait to get started."

Brighouse thanks

As for the last two and half years at West Riding with Brighouse he added: "The time at B&R has totally shaped everything I've become as a conductor. I am hugely grateful for the decision and trust they invested in me and their commitment, dedication and support was always superb."

He added: "My thanks go to all the players and especially to Prof David King whose influence and support has been inspirational."

I'm looking forward to working with a great team to build upon their unrivalled ability to entertain and their desire for success. I can't wait to get startedDr David Thornton

Major championship lead

Grimethorpe confirmed that Dr Thornton will lead them to the forthcoming British Open and National Final.

"We believe that this presents an opportunity for David to work closely together with the band and to develop the level of understanding which perhaps only the 'white heat' of competition can allow.

We would also like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to Sandy Smith. Sandy has performed the role of MD since 2017 and has worked tirelessly for the band throughout a challenging period.

We thank him for his dedication and effort in sustaining the band's performance standards throughout his tenure."

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    


New Zealand

Enjoy the action from New Zealand

July 4 • You can tune in and enjoy the action from the world's oldest National Championships being held in Christchurch.


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd