Joe Cook to step down from Dyke

Published in Band News on 2013-10-29 by Empty Chairs

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Joe Cook to step down Tuba soloist Joseph Cook has confirmed he is taking a back seat from his playing commitments at Black Dyke in order to pursue pastures new.

Having joined the band in 1999, under the baton of the late James Watson, he has enjoyed success with the band at all the major competitions, TV and radio appearances and played at festivals throughout the world.

Commenting about the move, Joseph said “I’ve had a wonderful 14 years with the band and I’m very proud to have played my small part in a band with such a rich history, but I feel that now is the right time for me to move on in order to further develop my musical horizons. I have some interesting solo, ensemble and conducting projects in the pipeline that I’m very much looking forward too. 

I’d like to thank all the great friends I’ve made through Black Dyke and alsospecifically Nicholas Childs for his continued support in my development. I wish the band all the best in the future and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I play with Black Dyke”.

A graduate of the University of Leeds, Joseph’s first solo album “Debut” was released in 2008, to critical acclaim. A former winner of the StanleyWainwright Memorial Trophy for Best Soloist at the British Open, Joseph also commissioned major works for tuba and brass band by composers Philip Wilby and Dan Price.

Joseph is currently musical director with the GT Group Peterlee Band.