Third Carrickfergus Band have invited Black Dyke euphonium soloist, David Thornton to join them for a day of workshops and rehearsals on Saturday 24th October.

“We knew Black Dyke were performing at the Belfast Festival on that weekend, so it seemed like an ideal opportunity to invite David to work with our band,” commented Carrickfergus MD Des Graham.

There is also a family connection with Thornton’s visit as Oliver McGowan, David’s nephew, plays solo euphonium with the Third Carrickfergus Junior Band.

David will rehearse the Junior Band on Saturday morning before giving a performance and Q&A session for the young members and parents.

During the afternoon David will help the senior band prepare for their upcoming performance at the NIBA Championship of Ireland Contest. The day will culminate with a free, informal concert featuring David as soloist with the band and the bands chosen contest work.

David told 4br, “We wanted to finish with a short concert as a way of giving the players a focal point for the sessions. I’ll be talking about rehearsal and preparation techniques during the day, but it’s important to put it all into practice and this is an ideal way.”

Anybody wishing to come and hear David and the band should contact Des Graham at des@thestick.plus.com.