Black Dyke brass band continue to hit the high notes under the guidance of internationally-renowned music director

Internationally-renowned music director Professor Nicholas Childs, who conducts the world-famous Black Dyke brass band, has toured the globe making and teaching music.

But he only has to take a short stroll to his local village hall to find some of the best acoustics in the North of England.

Professor Childs, who lives in the Saddleworth village of Denshaw, describes the acoustics of the hall there as ‘wonderful’.

He says members of the celebrated Black Dyke band - who include his wife Alison - love playing at Denshaw Village Hall, and now other bands, musicians, and even sporting and mum's groups are being invited to try it out for themselves.

“The village hall offers a true and vibrant colourful ambience and musicians and recording engineers alike sing the praises of its wonderful acoustic - and of course when we’re recording, this is very important to us,” said Professor Childs.

“We also appreciate that it has easy access for all our percussion requirements.”

Black Dyke used the hall for one of its most recent recordings - a Christmas CD of John Rutter music which is due out soon on the Naxos label.

Leading brass band recording company, Doyen, is also one of the regular users of the hall.

As well as all of their national and international awards - including being the only brass band to be Oscar and Grammy nominated - Black Dyke are always among the leading lights in Saddleworth’s Whit Friday band contest.

They have also recently performed a “Last Night of the Proms” concert in Denshaw, which proved to be one of the village hall’s hottest-ever tickets.

Professor Childs, who has been the band’s principal conductor for the past 24 years, also teaches at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music.

He has won many awards and accolades for his outstanding ability as a conductor.

Sue O’Driscoll, Chair of Denshaw Community Association which runs the village hall, is proud the hall has such a prestigious musical reputation.

“It really is remarkable that a small village like Denshaw has a hall which musicians and specialist sound engineers love so much,” she said.

“We’d be delighted for other bands, choirs or musical groups to come and take advantage of it.”

As well as its acoustic benefits, the 170-seat main hall has also found favour with table tennis enthusiasts, mums and tots, a young people’s performing arts group, a ladies’ clog and morris dancing team, and a tai chi group.

“We also have rooms for smaller-scale activities and we run a very popular fortnightly film night in our 50-seat cinema,” added Sue.

Groups or individuals wanting more information about the village hall facilities should call the booking line on 07845 698539.

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