Richard Marshall | cornet and trumpet virtuoso

The four day course commenced at Truro High School for Girls on Tuesday 27th December and was expertly lead by Michael Fowles.  Repertoire covered by the band included standard classics as well as new music from the pen of Andy Scott.

Richard performed a total of three solo's, which included the Denis Wright Cornet Concerto, People and Charivari.  He also presented a masterclass to the entire band, were the usual topics of Practice, Performance and Equipment were discussed.

The course finale was held at Newquay's St Michael's Church.  The audience really appreciated the fantastic standard of both band and soloist before venturing home to see in 2012.

Quoted at the Black Dyke Brass Arts Festival, the internationally acclaimed maestro Elgar Howarth described Richard as “the most outstanding cornet player this country has ever produced.”

Richard is currently Principal Cornet of the world famous Black Dyke Band, a position that is heralded as the “hottest seat in banding.” Richard fulfilled his childhood ambition and followed in the footsteps of some of his cornet heroes and moved to the Queensbury based band in January 2006.

Richard has released to date four solo recordings, The Debutante (1999), Blaze (2005), Eminence (2007) and The Cornet Heritage Collection Volume 1 (2010) all of which have been received with world-wide acclaim.

As a performer Richard has travelled throughout the world performing in many iconic concert venues such as Sydney Opera House and New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Richard is a dedicated musician, whose sensational performances continue to thrill audiences world-wide.

1. How old were you when you started playing Cornet?

I was nine years old.  My teacher was a well respected teacher and conductor in my local area, Mr Ken Johnson.  He also conducted my first band, Hatfield Colliery, where I played 3^rd cornet.

2. What made you choose Cornet rather than any other instrument?

Funny enough, I actually started on flugel horn which my dad played.  I started on cornet after a couple of weeks of playing the flugel and the rest is history!

3. How old were you when you won your first trophy and which one was it?

Can’t remember my first trophy, but I remember being given a medal, because my dad had one for winning a band contest with Hatfield.  I played a grade 3 solo in the winning bands concert.

4. Which Brass Bands did you play in prior to joining Black Dyke?

Hatfield Colliery, Askern Colliery, Wallace Arnold (Rothwell), Stocksbridge, Grimethorpe and now Black Dyke.

5. What has been your most enjoyable moment as a brass musician to date?

I have too many to mention, but five spring to mind!  The first has to be my only British Open win to date.  This was in 2006 and was my first British Open with Black Dyke.  Premiering the tremendously difficult “Blaze” by Phil Lawrence at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester in 2005.  Thirdly, back to back National Championships with Black Dyke in 2008 and 2009.  Having a brand new commission by Elgar Howarth written for me in 2008.  This was performed at the Black Dyke Arts Festival in Leeds.  And last but not least, accompanying the fabulous Australian multi-instrumentalist James Morrison, during Black Dyke’s 2009 Australian tour.

6. What is your favourite venue to play in and why?

I love Sydney in Australia, and I have played the Opera House twice.  Put both the Opera House and Sydney Harbour together, you can’t get much better!  Other great venues include Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Barbican Centre, London.

7. How much practice do you do each day?

I practice one hour every day.  My practice session is always mapped out and no stone goes unturned.

8. Who has been your biggest influence to date in your playing and teaching career?

Definately my teacher, Ken Johnson and my family.  As for my teaching career, you develop your own style and my influences are the many fine conductors and performers I have worked with.

9. What is the most valuable lesson you have been taught as a musician?

Always be prepared and one step ahead!

10. Which do you find most rewarding: playing with Black Dyke; playing solo; or teaching?

Playing with Black Dyke in the “best seat” is fantastic and a dream come true and it’s always pleasing when people enjoy your solo playing and you can’t beat that “buzz”.  Probably the most rewarding would have to be teaching.  Seeing a student of yours work hard and get the rewards he or she deserve is a good feeling.

11. What aspects of brass playing do you teach your students to focus on the most?

The Basics!!  You should always keep on top of the essential elements.  Practice the things you find difficult and perform the things you can do!

12. Do you play any other instruments other than Cornet?

I occasionally play the odd trumpet solo, such as People, Blessed Assurance and Virtuosity, with bands.

13. What advice would you give young brass musicians who want to make a full time career from music?

Work hard and get as much performing experience as you can.  Enjoy what you do and have a good attitude.

14. What are your ambitions as a brass musician?

My ambitions are to personally keep improving my performance standards and enjoy!

15. Which other brass musicians do you admire the most and why?

The list of cornet / trumpet players that I admire is endless, but the musicians, not always brass, that I admire are the ones that have good attitudes and accompany this with fantastic musicianship.

"The consummate professional, he was a pleasure to work with, and is truly a high quality person as well as musician" is just one quote from Tim Jameson, conductor of the Dublin Silver Band, one of the bands that Richard Marshall performed with during his nine day tour of USA and Canada.

Richard’s tour commenced in Atlanta, when he joined forces with the Georgia Brass Band under the leadership of Joe Johnson. The packed hall at the University of Georgia was blown away by his superb playing. It was later stated that "Richard is a true master of the cornet who can summon amazing technical prowess and sublime lyricism at will".

Following an excellent start to his tour, Richard flew to Ohio to work with the Dublin Silver Band and to present two masterclasses. The first participants were students of the Otterbein School and the second masterclass included the entire 250 strong Ohio State Marching Band. During his time in Ohio, Richard was able to assist with Dublin Silver Bands preparations for the US Open contest. The advice was welcome and the band gained a well deserved second place at last weekend’s contest.

To conclude the tour, Richard visited Toronto and performed two concerts with the Weston Silver Band, a band that he has worked with on numerous occasions, and who are celebrating their 90^th anniversary this year. Alongside Richard’s outstanding performances, he again presented two masterclasses. One in Colbourg and one on the final morning of his travels at the University of Toronto. This masterclass was attended by many young players of the Hannaford Youth Band and students of the University.

Commenting on his tour, Richard stated that "It's always nice to visit old friends and make new ones. My CD’s were a sell out and many thanks must go to Theresa MacDonald, Pat Herak and Joe Johnson, for being excellent tour hosts”.

The International Brass Band Summer School is always a fantastic week for brass players of all standrads and this year was no exception.  Led by Dr Robert and Nicholas Childs and supported by a world class field of tutors including Richard Marshall, Chris Turner, Owen Farr, David Childs, Brett Baker and Joe Cook - what more could a brass enthusiast wish for.

Music chosen for the week long course varied from Gilbert Vinter to Paul Lovatt-Cooper and every evening the delegates were treated to a tutor's recital.  The annual Whit Wednesday March Competition took place in dazzling sunshine and the delegates concert, accompanied by John Wilson, was of a very high standard.

The final concert, held at Branywn Hall, was an evening full of good music making before everyone returned to the university campus for the after concert party. . 

On Thursday 7th July, Eminence Brass performed a concert in the beautiful St Brandon's Church in Brancepath.  Performing a wide range of repertoire, which included solo's from each of the world class players, the group also featured new works by Paul McGhee, Dan Price, David Harrington and Christopher Bond.  Members of the audience had travelled from far a field as America, and all left with a smile on their faces, after being part of a fantastic evening.

During the day on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th, Eminence worked with many talented brass musicians from around County Durham.  The group assisted the different sections through repertoire and also presented a question and answer session, before Bishop Auckland Town Hall filled on the Friday evening for the grand concert.  Eminence dazzled in the first half, whilst the second half belonged to the County Brass Band, conducted by members of Eminence Brass.