After 16 years of playing percussion at the highest level Paul Lovatt-Cooper has decided to retire due to his developing music career as a teacher, composer and conductor.
Paul has enjoyed playing at the highest level. He joined Black Dyke in 2003 after playing with the Fairey band for nine years. He has been featured as a regular soloist with both bands and a prominent figure as an all-round percussionist.
On retiring from playing, Black Dykes Musical Director Dr Nicholas Childs commented “Naturally Black Dyke are disappointed that Paul has called time as a percussionist with the band. As a team player, Paul’s personality always shone through as a committed and diligent player. With his new direction and the extra time that this will allow him to develop his compositions, I am sure he will be a tremendous asset to the brass band world and further afield with his creative skills”
During his career, Paul has enjoyed winning the Brass in Concert Championships, the European Brass Band Championships, the English Masters twice, the British Open three times, the National Championships four times as well as countless regional victories.
On retiring from Playing Paul said “It has been a very tough decision but one I have been thinking about for some time now. However, I have found that there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done and so unfortunately my playing has had to give way. I have had a fantastic time in
my playing career and the last eight years at Dyke have been some of the most memorable ever. I want to take this opportunity to thank Nick and the band for all their help and support and I wish them all the very best for the future.”
Even though he is retiring from playing, Paul will remain in post as the bands Composer in Association.