*
banner

Black Dyke Band reunited with Queensbury march

The original score to arguably the most famous signature march in the banding world has returned to its musical home.

QUEENSBURY
  John Clay presented Prof Nicholas Childs with the score at a recent band rehearsal

The original score to arguably the most famous brass band march in the world has returned to its musical home.

'Queensbury' has been Black Dyke Band's signature march for well over 80 years — with the opening bars of James Kaye's composition as familiar to any brass band fan as any test piece.

Written around 1938, the unnamed work was rumoured to have been offered to two other bands who rejected it due to it being "unplayable".

Whit Friday wins

However, the legendary Black Dyke Band conductor Arthur O Pearce thought that it suited them perfectly and instructed Band Secretary Joe Wood to purchase it for the sum of £3 and 3 shillings (3 guineas) in time for it to be performed at the 1939 Whit Friday contests.

Following six victories on the day it was subsequently named 'Queensbury' with the title written on the brown paper cover of the score and details of the victories on the back.

Under Pearce, the band went on to record the march for the first time at the Maida Vale studios in July 1939, as well as to mark their 100th radio broadcast in 1943.

Thought lost

It had been thought that the score, which had been gifted to Arthur O Pearce by the composer, had long been lost.

However, thanks to the work of former principal cornet player and historian John Clay, it was found that it was still in the possession of his grand-daughter Kathleen Davies, who has gifted it back to the band alongside 40 other historic scores.

Delighted

Speaking with 4BR, John said that he was delighted that the original score had been found.

"When the march was purchased, James Kaye gave it as a personal gift to Arthur O Pearce — and the rest as they say, is Black Dyke Band history.

Both would have been delighted to know just how iconic it has become around the brass band world. It is immediately recognisable."

He added: "Having visited the Pearce family home when I was younger it was incredible to see all the honours that were proudly displayed, so to find that this iconic score, which everyone thought had been lost, was such a thrill.

The wonderful generosity of the family to gift it back to the band with other scores means that it will now remain safe and treasured."

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Pearce family for this generous gift which will be proudly displayed in our heritage centre for visitors from across the world to enjoyProf Nicholas Childs

Heartfelt thanks

Speaking at the time of the presentation, the current Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs added: "Our heartfelt thanks go to the Pearce family for this generous gift which will be proudly displayed in our heritage centre for visitors from across the world to enjoy.

Our thanks also to John Clay for his gesture in facilitating its return. The band looks forward to preserving and showcasing this precious piece of their musical legacy for generations to come."

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    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Harlow Brass Band

October 25 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • 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


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd