University of Huddersfield appoint new Head of Brass

Brass players at the University of Huddersfield now have their studies supervised by highly experienced trombonist, Richard Ward.  Richard is from Yorkshire and is a fourth-generation brass player.  Having studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music he has now been a London-based trombone player for over twenty years. 

The new Head of Brass has played with leading orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony,  performed in over two dozen West End musicals, and in addition to film and television soundtracks has taken part in recording sessions for chart-topping pop and classical albums. 

Richard is also very familiar with the brass band genre, having been musical director of Zone One Brass, the band in residence at the Royal College of Music. He has conducted the band on the Royal Albert Hall stage as part of the National Championships of Great Britain. 

As an educator, Richard has worked with Trinity Laban Conservatoire and the Palestine Youth Orchestra and has also conducted professional ensembles, including the Philharmonia Orchestra. He has also appeared with some of the leading new generation of ensembles including the Aurora, Heritage and Mahler Chamber Orchestras.  
At the University, Richard will advise on the performance curriculum, assist and lead recruitment and admissions-related activities, and act as an advocate for brass at the University. 

The Deputy Head of Music and Drama at the University of Huddersfield, Dr Lisa Colton, is delighted by the appointment, which is designed to bolster her department’s established reputation for the teaching of brass playing. Commenting on the appointment she said, “We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with Richard, whose international profile as a performer can help us to ensure that our music courses attract the very best brass players nationally and from around the world." 

For more news, features, articles and reviews, subscribe to BBW Digital. Alternatively, subscribe to the printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World)