Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band

[4] The band was formed over 140 years ago in 1881, through public donations given by the townsfolk of the adjacent villages of Brighouse and Rastrick, that face each other across the River Calder in West Yorkshire, England.

Its “amateur” members traditionally pride themselves on being financially independent, never having been beholden to any commercial interest, yet they are still regarded as one of the "elite" on the contest and concert platforms.

In 2002 Professor David King was appointed Conductor and Musical Director of the ‘Massed Bands of the North West of England’ performing in the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

David King has represented England in the European Brass Band Championships as a conductor on thirteen occasions winning the title an unprecedented ten times.

Regarded by his peers as a leading interpreter of wind music, Professor David King has commissioned, choreographed, directed and premiered award winning thematic projects for the concert platform working in collaboration with internationally acclaimed composers for the genre.

These include Cry of the Celts, Voice of the Vikings, Hymn of the Highlands, Celtic Fusions, Symphonic Dances and War of the Worlds.

In 2005 Professor King conducted and directed the ‘Kings of Europe’ YBS Australian tour which culminated in the world premiere of two major commissioned works performed in the Sydney Opera House – Sunburnt Land (composer Professor Brenton Broadstock) and Terra Australis (composer Dr. Martin Ellerby).

[29] A recipient of the Iles Medal from The Worshipful Company of Musicians (London),[30] David King was awarded Emeritus Professorship by the University of Salford, UK in 2010.

Professor David King is currently the International Chair in Band Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK.

[34] In January 2016, Ian was offered the exciting position of Resident Musical Director with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, an appointment he was thoroughly delighted to accept.