John started his playing career with Clifton and Lightcliffe Band when he was 9 years old and at the age of 14 auditioned and was accepted into the Black Dyke Band in 1958 where he stayed for 15 years. Over his time there he has played all the cornet positions with Black Dyke including Principal and finally ended up on Flugel Horn.
He was appointed Principal Cornet for six courses with the National Youth Band of Great Britain at the age of 16. He studied music with Richard Evans at Rossendale College gaining a B.A (Hons) degree in 1998. After he left Black Dyke he returned to Clifton where he has been Musical Director for the past 18 years. He has written a book on the history of Black Dyke which was published in 2005.
| Location | West Yorkshire |
| Telephone | 07879 883529 |
| john366clay@btinternet.com | |
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