David Thornton
Professor of Euphonium and Baritone, Director of Brass Band Studies
BA (RNCM), PPRNCM
Email: [email protected]
Dr. David Thornton is regarded as one of the foremost brass band conductors, euphonium players and teachers of his generation and has a global reputation. His work as a soloist, conductor and educator is renowned throughout the brass playing world to have a distinct hallmark of extreme virtuosity, professionalism and an ability to connect with audiences like few others in his field.
His work within the brass band world has seen him at the top-flight for over two decades. He has held solo euphonium positions with the Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick and Foden’s, winning five National titles, three British Opens and one European Championship. David is currently enjoying his second spell as musical director of the Brighouse & Rastrick Band (2017-2019 and January 2025 onwards). David also spent three years as principal conductor with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band (2019-2022) and is currently principal conductor with the GUS Band.
As a recording artist David has released four solo albums and also conducted on numerous high profile projects, including Shine (a Les Neish solo album), The Music of Howells & Bliss (B&R) and an album of music by Nigel Clarke released in 2020 (Grimethorpe).
David is Joint-Head of WBP at Chetham’s School of Music, Director of Brass Bands at the RNCM and artistic director of the RNCM International Brass Band Festival.
