New MD at Dodworth
Following the departure of the long-serving Eliot Darwin, Dodworth Colliery Band have appointed the vastly experienced Professor John Morahan as their new MD. John was quick to pay tribute to his predecessor saying, “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build on the work that Eliot has done, He has been an outstanding leader of the band for some 15 years, and has enjoyed some great successes during his time at the helm. Now Eliot has taken the opportunity to explore new musical directions, and this has given me an opportunity to work with the band in overcoming the problems of the COVID experience and helping the band recapture its reputation as one of the best performing bands in the lower sections.”
John brings vast experience to the role and has gone almost full circle to find himself back where his contesting journey began. John was a player with Dodworth in the late 70’s during a period of great success, including some memorable performances in the top section. An outstanding Baritone Player, John found himself taking up the role of Solo Baritone at Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, where he formed a great relationship with the MD, Kevin Bolton. John began conducting while still playing at Carlton Main, and had considerable success with several bands, including Grimethorpe Junior Band, Houghton Main Colliery, and Hatfield Colliery. His growing reputation saw him link up with Kevin Bolton, working as his Resident Conductor at BSC Teesside Band, where they worked together successfully for several years.
Subsequent appointments saw John working with a number of bands, several in the Championship Section. There were good spells at PCA Skipton Band, Jayess Queensbury, Clackmannan and Tullis Russell Mills. A move to the South saw John at the helm with KM (Medway) Band, Becontree, and Capital Concert, and he has worked with many other bands around the UK. A lengthy battle with cancer has restricted John’s appearances on the contest stage for some time, but he is relishing the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of players at Dodworth, several of whom have been friends over many years.
John has been fortunate in having the opportunity of working with such fine musicians as Kevin Bolton, Peter Parkes, and Ray Farr, and had the immense privilege of studying with the great George Thompson at Grimethorpe. One of his proudest achievements was the establishment of the music department at Barnsley College, and the introduction of the range of music degree course at the college. This is familiar territory for him – his ‘day job’ is as Professor of Psychology and Relational Leadership with the UniCol International Group, where he holds executive responsibility for the oversight of Higher Education developments in four countries, and the delivery of Postgraduate Education in Leadership and Management.
There is a real buzz of anticipation around the bandroom at Dodworth, and the new MD and his team are looking forward to the challenges of the future.
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