South Milford Brass

Rising Stars

A celebration of the achievements of our younger players

Congratulations to James Cunningham who have all successfully auditioned for the The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band..

The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band

The Band was formed in 2006 by Black Dyke Band, under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Childs, as part of its an initiative to sponsor the work of young people aged 11 to 21 years. Throughout the year workshops, sectionals and full band rehearsals are held, run by key members of the Black Dyke Band, and these culminate in a musical weekend and concert each summer held at the Headingley Campus of Leeds Metropolitan University.

James Cunningham

James plays repiano cornet and is studying for his GCSEs. James says, "I first started learning to play the cornet in 2003 when Richard, our former MD, came to my school and asked if anyone would like to start playing an instrument. I tried the cornet, which I enjoyed, and it went from there. My first band was Lofthouse 2000 juniors, where I started playing second cornet and worked my way up to principal cornet. Then Lofthouse started a youth band at which I played second man. When I was at Lofthouse 2000 the band had a tour of Belgium, Denmark and Holland and we had a concert in every country which was a great experience - I loved every moment of it. Then my music teacher, Richard, had the opportunity to conduct South Milford Brass and he asked me to join the band at the age of 12 playing second cornet. Again I kept working and managed to get myself to repiano cornet for the area contest in Darlington in March 2008, which we won, get in! Now, at the age of 14 I play repiano cornet permanently.

I play for The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band in the position of second cornet which I enjoy. I have played concerts at Huddersfield Town Hall, Leeds Metropolitan University and York Minster. This is a great experience as we are tutored by Richard Marshall and all the other big cornet names from Black Dyke Band. I have also attended several Minsthorpe Brass and Percussion workshops, tutored by member of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band , which have helped me improve my cornet skills."