HE IS just 14 but Jonathan Bates’ musical talent has earned him a place with Brighouse and Rastrick Band, one of the country’s elite bands.
A packed Huddersfield Town Hall will hear the band’s skill for themselves this weekend when Brighouse and Rastrick join Colne Valley Male Voice Choir for the choir’s annual Christmas concert.
For Jonathan, who lives at Skelmanthorpe, joining Brighouse and Rastrick is a real milestone.
It is remarkable for such a young musician to have the required skill to earn a seat with such a band so Jonathan is delighted to be playing the 1st Tenor Horn.
Band officials have been checking the records and say it seems that apart from percussionist Greg Perkin in 1997, only two other such young men have joined B & R in the last 40 years.
Jonathan started playing with Thurlstone Band before spells with his local Skelmanthorpe Band.
He has had tremendous support from his banding family, and tutors and made great progress during spells with Elland Silver and finally Carlton Main.
The young player’s progress, not to say his confidence, has been boosted by regular success in many solo competitions.
Since donning the purple and gold of Brighouse and Rastrick, he has played at both York Minster and the Royal Albert Hall.
But he is now looking forward to a busy weekend on home ground. Tomorrow he joins the band in concerts at the Central Methodist Church, Brighouse.
On the following night, he will be back in the band, this time alongside Colne Valley Male Voice Choir.
Tickets for tomorrow’s concerts (which are at 3-00 pm and 7-15pm) from Fawcett’s Stationers, Brighouse.
