*
banner

From the Archives: Black Dyke Band on The Open University

You can once enjoy an academic insight into the development of Black Dyke Mills Band and the banding movement — courtesy of The Open University and Prof Trevor Herbert.

Black Dyke Band
  Black Dyke Band has a history like no other in the banding world

There is the opportunity to once again enjoy a 1985 Open University television programme that looked at the wider musical and social development of the brass banding movement through a focus on the history of the John Foster & Son Black Dyke Mills Band.

1985 broadcast

Presented by Prof Trevor Herbert, it was first broadcast in 1985, it features an open rehearsal performance led by Major Peter Parkes of Edward Gregson's 'Dances & Arias' which was being prepared for their forthcoming appearance at the 1984 National Championships of Great Britain.

Prof Herbert has long been recognised as a leading academic authority on the brass banding movement, its history and wider social and cultural relevance.

He is the author of a number of outstanding publications — including the seminal 'The British Brass Band: A Musical and Social History' and 'Popular Music ion Britain: The Brass Band Movement in the 19th and 20th Century'. He was also a co-author of 'The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Brass Instruments'.

To enjoy:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTCG_NVt9lE

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd