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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.

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. 

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.

James Fountain, Geneva Artist and Principal Trumpet Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, road tests the Richard Marshall signature Alliance mouthpiece range.  Read his review courtesy of Brass Band World.

Black Dyke’s principal cornet player visited Suffolk to present two workshops and appear as guest soloist with Martlesham Brass in April.

Richard came to Martlesham Brass and spent the day in sunny Suffolk hosting workshops with our 100 members. The morning session was held with our Main Band where he took us through his way of approaching new music, and demonstrated various playing and breathing techniques.

In the afternoon he worked with our training bands where he answered a whole host of questions, inspiring our next generation of players and showing what an amazing talent he has.

He was our guest soloist in our evening concert, where he wowed our packed audience with gorgeous slow melodies, a beautiful duet with our Band President, Bruce, and finished off with the wonderful Zelda.

“Richard was truly inspirational, an amazing cornet player but with a way of putting things simply for all ages to consume. He put everyone at ease from the moment he arrived. Everyone really enjoyed having a session with him, and lots of asked when he will be back. Can’t wait to have another session with him.”

Mark Chalklen