Prof David King has told 4BR that a memorable year leading Brighouse & Rastrick Band has reinvigorated his desire to claim further contest successes.

As he prepared to catch a long-haul flight from Geneva to Sydney after enjoying working with Brass Band Treize Etoiles ahead of the Swiss National Championships, he said that he was, "already looking forward to be back in West Riding" in early 2023.

Incredible

"It's been an incredible 2022 for everyone at B&R", he said. "Following the challenges of Covid-19, getting back to rehearsals with them has been a real privilege — and one which we built on throughout the past year."

It certainly started on a high with a memorable appearance at the RMCM Brass Band Festival, which he said, "stood like a beacon on a musical hill", and which gained widespread critical acclaim.

It was followed by the disappointment of failure to qualify for the National Finals, although the Australian remains sanguine about it. "I couldn't have asked anymore from the band," he said.

US and British success

His busy international schedule also saw him head to the USA to lead Fountain City to victory at the North American Championships before returning to the UK to lead Brighouse & Rastrick to their first British Open success in 44 years.

"It's always a privilege to be able to work with bands across the world, but it was the British Open victory that was so special.

"It meant so much to Brighouse & Rastrick and I was thrilled for everyone involved with the band — be it the players, committee, patron members and supporters. Thoughts also went to those no longer with us too — like legendary Brighouse figures such as Tony Whitaker, Brian Evans and Eddie Noble amongst others."

He added: "I've been fortunate to know the pride that comes with being able to display the famous British Open Shield in your bandhall, and what it would have meant to people such as them. That also meant a great deal."

The break will be short though and then I can't wait to be backProf David King

Memorable

With the band not being at the Royal Albert Hall, Prof King enjoyed a short break with his wife Rosie in France and Norway, as well as a trip to Antrim in Northern Ireland for a memorable weekend of music making with new friends.

The busy period was rounded off with a visit to the RNCM, where he is Chair in Brass, to check out the next generation of conductors.

"France and Norway are simply wonderful places to visit. Antrim was also special too and the band was in great form, and to work with the talented conductors at the RNCM first hand was another highlight of what has been a year of so many."

Feet up

Prof King admitted though he's finally looking forward to getting home to Australia and spending time relaxing with Rosie and their dog.

"I'm ready to put the feet up for a while and chill out," he admitted. "I'd like to thank everyone for all their congratulatory messages in recent weeks. It means a lot and I wish the band well at Brass in Concert.

The break will be short though and then I can't wait to be back."