David Thornton appointed Grimethorpe MD
A press release issued on behalf of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band has announced the appointment of Dr. David Thornton as its new Musical Director with immediate effect.
A spokesperson for the band said: “We are thrilled that David has agreed to accept the role of Musical Director. David is rightly regarded as one of the foremost euphonium players and teachers of his generation but his reputation as a soloist is increasingly being matched by his work as a conductor in recent years. David’s ambition and professionalism has greatly impressed the band and we are looking forward to working with him to help achieve our artistic and performance objectives over the coming years. David is without question the right person to lead the band through the next stage in our development.”
David’s experience within the brass band world has seen him work at the highest level for almost twenty years. He has held principal euphonium positions with the Fairey Band, Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick and Foden’s; winning no less than five National titles, three British Opens and one European Championship during this time.
He is currently the Senior Tutor in Brass Band Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as holding teaching roles for the euphonium and chamber music at the prestigious Chetham's School of Music.
David has been a course tutor for the National Youth Brass Bands of Great Britain, Wales and Switzerland, a course tutor for the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain, National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain, the International Brass Band Summer School (Swansea) and the Wessex Band Summer School.
He holds an undergraduate degree from the Royal Northern College of Music and gained his DMA from the University of Salford. David has previously conducted a number of leading bands including Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick.
Dr. David Thornton said: “I am honoured and privileged to be offered such a hugely exciting opportunity. Within the world of brass bands the names just don’t come any bigger than Grimethorpe and I’m looking forward to working with a great team to build upon their unrivalled ability to entertain and their reputation for success. I can’t wait to get started!”
The Grimethorpe Colliery Band spokesperson added: “David has agreed to lead the band during our forthcoming 2019 British Open and National Finals campaigns. We believe that this presents an opportunity for David to work closely together with the band and to develop the level of understanding which perhaps only the “white heat” of competition can allow.
"The band would like to pay an especially warm tribute to Sandy Smith. Sandy has performed the role of MD since 2017 and has worked tirelessly for the band throughout a challenging period. We thank him for his dedication and effort in sustaining the band’s performance standards throughout his tenure.”
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