Bryan Warrington

Bryan Warrington was a passionate sportsman and brass band player, committing himself to youth development in both areas throughout his life.

It’s this inspiring passion, and commitment to developing young people’s skills that resonate so well with the aims of The NYBBGB, and we are honoured to receive a gift from Bryan’s family, in his memory, towards our Bursary Fund. This generous gift will go a long way to ensure that young people can follow their passion and develop their musicianship.

Here, Bryan’s brother Stewart reflects on Bryan’s two passions and his impressive commitment to them both throughout his life.

Bryan had a dual love of music and sport, balancing the two passions throughout his life.

His love for music started when he began piano lessons at 6 years old, going on to play the euphonium three years later.

In his teenage years he played Rugby League for Rochdale Schools and cricket for his local team.  He also taught himself to play guitar and would go to local folk clubs doing Lancashire dialect poems and songs, on nights when he wasn’t at band rehearsal. Bryan’s rendition of The Rawntenstall Annual Fair on the band coach was hilarious.

Bryan went on to coach Rugby League for Milnrow under 13s teams and Rochdale under 11s town team. He always said his proudest moment was leading out Rochdale under 11s at Wembley  Stadium when they beat Doncaster Schools in the curtain raiser to the 1993 Challenge Cup Final.

Bryan played Solo Euphonium at Rochdale, Leyland, Whitburn, & Goodshaw, before taking the baton at Marple & Middleton, and finally finished playing with Whitworth.

I was lucky enough to attend two NYBB courses at Wallasey and Gloucester back in the 1960s before I started work at the age of 15. By the time Bryan was at the right standard and musical grade to audition to do the same, our parents couldn’t afford to let him attend the course, which is why part of Bryan’s estate has been gifted to the NYBBGB Bursary Fund. He always supported the further education of any young person he knew, and would be proud to have his name associated with the NYBBGB bursaries and furthering opportunities for young musicians.