Behind the music with Gareth Hand

For the past eight years, Gareth Hand has held the prestigious position of Principal Percussionist with the world-famous Black Dyke Band. His journey from village concerts to the global stage has been shaped by a lifelong love of making music.

Joining Black Dyke Band in early 2019 was the fulfilment of a childhood ambition. “Playing for Black Dyke was always the dream,” Gareth says. “Every performance with the band is incredibly special.” If he had to pick one standout moment, it would be performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2022, an unforgettable highlight for any musician.

Gareth began on cornet at the age of eight with the Whitwell Training Brass Band. He then stepped in as a percussionist to help the main band at the Butlin’s Mineworkers Championships in 2007. “It was at that point I realised my love for percussion,” he recalls. “And the rest, as they say, is history!”

One of Gareth’s biggest influences is Paul Wood, his inspirational childhood teacher. Paul taught him piano, led the local training band, and played percussion in the main band. Their connection continues today, and in 2024, Gareth had the privilege of performing the xylophone duet The Two Imps with him at a Black Dyke Band concert at Worksop Priory. “It was a really special moment for me,” he says.

Brass banding has been in Gareth’s family for a long time – his parents met in the Long Lea Valley Band, based in Nottinghamshire, and later encouraged both him and his sister to begin lessons at the village training band. His dad still plays with Shirland Miners Welfare Band in the Midlands.

For Gareth, practising isn’t a chore, it’s essential to ensuring he contributes positively to every performance. “There’s nothing more rewarding than coming off stage knowing you’ve played a part in something special,” he says. Maintaining regular practice is key for upcoming concerts and recordings.

Performing with Black Dyke Band has taken Gareth to incredible venues around the world, and he treasures the moments of connection he and the band share with their audience no matter where they are playing. “There are so many rewarding aspects that come with playing in a brass band; the ability to come together with like-minded people and play challenging and broad repertoire that pushes you to be the best that you can be is a real thrill,” he says.

Gareth relishes the opportunity to perform solos with the band and enjoys exploring both new and classic xylophone repertoire. He also enjoys playing music by Peter Graham and Philip Wilby, who have written some of Gareth’s favourite works for brass band.

“A concert with Black Dyke is always a special experience,” Gareth says. “The band has many world-class soloists who are sure to impress with their virtuosity and our Musical Director, Professor Nicholas Childs, always ensures that the programmes are varied, exciting and showcase the full capabilities of the band.”

Gareth Hand performs with the Black Dyke Band on Saturday 28 February, 7.30pm at Pudsey Civic Hall. 

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