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R Marshall

Geneva move for Marshall

The Geneva Group are delighted to welcome on board Principal Cornet player of Black Dyke Band, Richard Marshall. Richard has already been to Geneva’s Head Office several times and back in early March tested 36 new Cardinal Cornets that are ready for sale when conditions regarding the current lock-down improve.

Richard has played Principal Cornet with Black Dyke now for 15 years and previously played principal cornet for 10 years with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

As an international soloist and devoted teacher, he is a cornet tutor at both the RNCM and Birmingham Conservatoire. He is also a regular tutor on the International Brass Band Summer School, the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain and conductor and tutor of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band.

Commenting on his appointment as Geneva Development and Performance Artist Richard said “Since visiting Geneva House and trialling the Cardinal Cornet, I was immediately impressed with its consistency in sound and manufacture. To have the opportunity as ‘lead development artist’ through the cornet range, I am looking forward to a long and successful relationship with Geneva”.

General Manager Brett Baker commented “Richard is a fantastic addition to our growing list of artists having played on our instrument since December last year and I cannot think of anyone better to showcase our Silver Cardinal Cornets. He will be involved in the development of our full range of cornets going forward, it is a very exciting time for the company”.

Marshall visits Kings

Black Dyke’s star Principal Cornet player, Richard Marshall, spent a full day tutoring the cornet players from the Band of the Kings Division last month. 

Commenting on their individual lessons, 

Musn Andrew Ashworth:

“In the hour I had with Richard I wouldn’t have imagined to cover so much from basic warm up to control of vibrato. The hour was structured very well with minor points and major points covered. This lesson has taught me aspects I can take forward to better myself as a player in my work performances or recitals and even onto the contest stage.”

Musn Ashley Marston:

“Richard was very useful in both highlighting the areas I needed to work on and more importantly giving material and exercises to use to improve these areas. In just an hour I gained so much knowledge about how I play and how to get to where I want to be.”

Musn Margret Pattie:

“Obviously I’ve only ever heard amazing things about Richard so was really nervous about having a lesson with him. He was a fabulous teacher and really didn’t disappoint. We only had an hour together but learnt so much and really gave me motivation to keep pushing my musical skills. We went through warm ups, lips slurs and strengthening the corners of my embouchure. I had a lot of questions to ask him and every answer was very informative.”

Cpl Martin Leach:

“Richard is a great teacher. Always listens and knows how to achieve the best results from what can feel like a very short time with him. He gave me enough to work on for the next six months.”

LCpl Adam Jones:

“Great lesson with Richard, very informative and enjoyable. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to get advice from such a cornet player.”

Cpl John Pearson:

“To have a lesson with Richard was amazing. He really is a master in all areas of the art of performance on cornet and beyond. In just an hour we covered so much, such as warm ups, practice routines, style and technical work to name just a few. He has a relaxed style of teaching and you can really feel that he wants to help you be the best you possibly can. He has given me so much to work on and I could immediately feel the benefits. I’m already looking forward to my next lesson!”

This visit is part of a continued collaboration as Richard will make a return visit to  the army later in 2019. 

Marshall’s Italian Job

Last weekend saw Richard travel to Rome and work with the current European Challenge Section Champions, Italian Brass Band.

During the weekend Richard presented a masterclass as well as an in depth sectional with the bands cornet section.

Commenting on the trip Richard said “ What a friendly bunch of musicians. They are so keen to soak up any advice regarding brass bands and how to develop as a section”.

Vice-President Giovanni Celestino and conductor Filippo Cangiamila commented, “The goal of this masterclass was understanding what is the best way to approach the cornet.

After this weekend we can certainly say that there was a great improvement. The training experience for the cornet section of the Italian Brass Band with Richard Marshall has been illuminating from all points of view.  His thirty years of experience, his great competence and his musicality have greatly increased the knowledge about the ‘British Cornet Sound’ of the band. I hope we can take with us this ‘treasure’ for a long time!

Richard is not only a magnificent artist and a very serious teacher, but mostly a true FRIEND, a very kind person”.

To finish Richard performed as guest soloist with the band. And in his usual style left them amazed with flawless performances.

Richard Visits Altena Brass

Easter weekend this year saw Altena Brass accompany one of the greatest cornet players of the time, Richard Marshall, in their annual Easter concert. Previous concerts have featured famous soloists such as Ian Porthouse (Cornet, UK) and Bart Claessens (Principal Trombone, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra).

The weekend started with a morning workshop and afternoon masterclass for players from all over the region. Richard shared his theories and knowledge regarding technique and performance.

Principal Cornet of Brassband Rijnmond, Dik van Doorn recalled some of the topics of the workshop:“A group of about thirty cornet players attended the day to get an insight into Cornet playing, they were also curious to see what makes Richard the man and musician he is. It was my second encounter with Richard and this time I was more focused on the person and a bit less on the playing. The first time it was the other way round…

We had an enjoyable day and Richard talked to us about the basics of good playing and all of the routines we should do to eventually obtain stardom!! We took away from the day lots of performance preparation ideas but one really struck a chord with myself and the other delegates:

  • Prepare yourself to be the best you can, cornet playing is not bigger than life itself. At the end there is always friends and family to celebrate with.

Thinking back to the workshop, I realise that the secret of Richard’s superb playing may well be his balanced family life, his theories, and of course his preparation and basics.”

The evening saw Richard as guest soloist with the band. Altena Brass performed Fraternity, the test piece for the Europeans 2016. Richard showcased his talents in the first half of the concert in Philip Wilby’s Flight and Don’t Doubt Him Now. As a bonus Richard was part of the second half of the concert, playing Emerald Skies, All Night Long and Brooklyn, which saw Altena Brass perform the theatre show Space Chords.

Richard impressed all of the participants of the workshop. They enjoyed the day with an excellent tutor and superb cornet player! The concert was a big success and Altena Brass is really proud to have a new musical friend in Richard Marshall.

Rik Jansen

Dik van Doorn