David Thornton Appointed Senior Tutor of Brass Band

The RNCM has appointed Dr David Thornton as Senior Tutor of Brass Band.

This exciting new position will see David, an internationally-renowned euphonium player, teacher and conductor, steering the RNCM’s brass band activities throughout the year, enhancing the College’s reputation as a world-leading conservatoire for brass education.

David said: ‘The RNCM has always been a world leader in the field of brass band education and it’s a real privilege to be able to take this opportunity.

‘There is already an unparalleled team of brass band tutors at the College, including Professor Nicholas Childs, Owen Farr, Richard Marshall, Professor Steven Mead and Professor Roger Webster. Added to this, we have Professor James Gourlay and Professor David King as our International Chairs, and great connections with some of the UK’s leading brass bands, including Black Dyke and Foden’s, which are in residence with us. I’m looking forward to working with students, tutors and partners to lead the RNCM brass bands into creative projects that everyone can be excited about.’

Through the Philip Jones Centre for Brass, the RNCM offers unrivalled opportunities for brass students to perform in the College’s various orchestras, bands, ensembles, and groups, and to benefit from the vast knowledge and talent of world-class tutors, visiting artists and International Chairs. David’s appointment, which starts with immediate effect, will ensure that the College continues to offer the very best brass band opportunities to young musicians from all over the world.

David, who studied at the RNCM and is a Sterling Musical Instruments performing artist and consultant, will conduct his first RNCM Brass Band concert on Thursday 14 October. Other highlights for brass students over the next 12 months include an extended brass band study day and solo performance class with David King on Tuesday 4 October, and a concert within the RNCM Festival of Brass Bands in January 2017, conducted by James Gourlay.

Professor Linda Merrick, RNCM Principal, said: ‘The RNCM continues to enjoy a unique position in the world of brass and I am thrilled that David will now be working as our Senior Tutor of Brass Band. As an eminent RNCM alumnus and one of our current euphonium tutors, David already enjoys a close connection to the College. Through his new role, he will be able to build on this to ensure that our brass band students continue to have an exceptional experience here at the RNCM.’

12 April 2016