*
banner

Thornton steps down from Grimethorpe lead

David Thornton has stepped down from his role as Musical Director of Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

David Thornton
  David Thornton has announced his decision to step down from the Grimethorpe lead role.

4BR has been informed that Grimethorpe Colliery Band Musical Director, David Thornton is to step down from his role. His final engagement will be this weekend.

Change needed

Speaking to 4BR he said: "It's been a thrill to conduct Grimethorpe over the past three years and I'm positive I'm leaving the band and the organisation a stronger one than when I arrived.

When change is needed though, you must be brave enough to make it, and this will allow me the freedom in my diary to take on a more varied workload and return to more playing activities and overseas work.

My international engagements are once again increasing, and it's certainly revitalised my desire to do more work in that direction. I've just returned from teaching and playing at the Swiss Brass Week in Samedan near St Moritz, and it was a fantastic event."

Thanks

David revealed that he would like to continue to work with the band in future on the type of specific projects that became a hallmark of his tenure with the Yorkshire band.

"I'd be glad to be involved for 'one-off' projects in the future, though I'm sure with a new conducting team in place there will be no need. I'd like to thank everyone involved at Grimethorpe for their hard work and company over the last three years.

It has been a pleasure, and I'll be in the audience in at the British Open rooting for the band."

Proud

Speaking about the decision, Band Chairperson, Andrew Coe added: "I would like to register our thanks to David for all the hard work and extraordinary commitment which he has shown through some of the most challenging times in the band's recent history.

He can be proud of what he has achieved in re-establishing an artistic direction for Grimethorpe as well as helping to rebuild its reputation for delivering, inventive, entertaining performances on stage.

These have always been vital features of what Grimethorpe Colliery Band stands for and to have achieved what he has against the backdrop of Covid-19 is something we will always be grateful for."

Artistic acclaim

During his tenure the band came seventh at the 2019 British Open but failed to register top ten finishes at Albert Hall National Final or the 2020 Yorkshire Regional Championships. Post Covid results saw them end sixth at Brass in Concert but fail to qualify for the 2022 National Finals.

However, artistic acclaim came with a number of innovative projects such as Surtaal Celebrates!, 'Wild Winds Coldly Blow' and the Wobplay In Concert series.

When change is needed though, you must be brave enough to make it, and this will allow me the freedom in my diary to take on a more varied workload and return to more playing activities and overseas workDavid Thonrton

Distinction

Band Manager Richard Windle added: "We would like to place on record our thanks to David for all that he has achieved as Musical Director.

The last few years have been very challenging, and he has been integral in securing the future of the band and leading it with distinction to a much stronger place both musically and as an organisation. We wish him well for the future."

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    


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd