4BR has been informed of the death of the highly respected brass teacher Haydn Cooper. He passed away at home on the 15th December after a bravely fought illness. He was aged 87.

Haydn was the MD of the Huthwaite Prize Band, a position he held for over 50 years. As a euphonium player he was a member for over 80 years and led the band at the local Remembrance Service in November 2019 despite being seriously ill.

Family connection

Huthwaite Band was formed by Haydn's great-grandfather in 1849. The band has been conducted by members of the same family since. The family were also founder members of the North East Midlands Brass Band Association.

After National Service as an Army Musician, Haydn became a full time brass teacher, working in many local schools and teaching literally hundreds and hundreds of children to play brass and woodwind instruments. He also spent time conducting the Bakewell Band and Tideswell Band.

In 2001 Haydn was honoured by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his long service in teaching brass players.

Funeral service

The funeral service, which will be a celebration of his life, will be at St Helens Church, Selston, Nottinghamshire on Monday 6th January and afterwards at the Dale Club in Jacksdale.

Members of the Huthwaite Band together with many of his pupils will provide the music at the service.