Black Dyke Band

Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs
Guest Conductors: Dr Roy Newsome, Major Peter Parkes, Geoffrey Whitham
Huddersfield Town Hall
Sunday 18th December
Sponsored by Besson Musical Instruments

Black Dyke's 150th year concluded in spectacular fashion at Huddersfield Town Hall with the unforgettable sight and sound of a massed band comprising of the current band and former players who'd been brought together especially for the occasion.

Dyke didn't just bring back former players either; they invited Major Peter Parkes, Dr Roy Newsome and Geoffrey Whitham to conduct the band along with current conductor, Dr Nicholas Childs.
 
Representatives were on stage from a variety of different eras including Mark Bentham, John Clough, Richard Evans, John Gillam, Morgan Griffiths, Stan Lippeatt , John Maines and Rob Westacott.  With approximately seventy players gracing proceedings, not only was it a magnificent sight, but it brought to mind the question ‘including the conductors present, just how many titles with Dyke had the assembled won between them?'

The second half of the concert could have only opened with one piece, ‘Queensbury' conducted at a cracking tempo by Dr Nicholas Childs and setting the standard for the rest of the night.

Geoffrey Whitham stepped forward to conduct eight euphonium ‘legends' in ‘How Great Thou Art' (and how great they were as well) before continuing with St Clement, ‘The Day Thou Gavest'.

Dr Roy Newsome was in his element as he conducted a trombone feature entitled ‘Blades of Toledo' (Trevor Sharpe) and Gordon Langford's ‘Great British Marches', music synonymous with the era he conducted the band.

The night commenced with the current European and British Open Champions in fine form, performing a programme of music that integrated familiar repertoire with seasonal favourites and solos. 

Lesley Howie (in her last concert with the band as it transpired) and John Doyle featured in the opening ‘Little Drummer Boy', whilst impressive readings were given of ‘Santa Claustrophobia' (arranged by Sandy Smith) and Kevin Norburt's ‘Gaudate'.

Roger Webster brought the house down (in what turned out to be his final appearance with the band also) courtesy of ‘Charivari', whilst ‘Silent Night' and ‘O Holy Night' were performed with real eloquence and beauty by Brett Baker and Peter Roberts respectively.

The contribution of Derek Broadbent to Black Dyke was acknowledged by a performance of John Miles' ‘Music', whilst the performance of Weber's overture ‘Oberon' was taken at a cracking tempo, purring through the gears like a Rolls-Royce with some beautiful ensemble playing

With framed pictures of the band being given to the former MDs involved on the night as memento's, Dr Roy Newsome summed the occasion up perfectly when speaking from the stage he said ‘What a privilege to be part of it'.  It was without question, not just a unique occasion in the history of Black Dyke but an appropriate way to conclude their celebratory year, and one that nobody will forget.

Malcolm Wood

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