Derek M. Broadbent, Composer & Arranger for Brass Music
Derek M. Broadbent
Composer
,Arranger
,Conductor
Derek Broadbent began playing the cornet at the age of nine. Following a services career spanning some 8 years, he returned to civilian life as a professional arranger. In 1966 he returned to the world of Brass Bands and in 1973 became the Resident Conductor of the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band, there to stay for 10 years. During this period, he conducted them to premier place in the National Finals in 1980 and was also responsible for their "chart-topping" success of the Floral Dance.
In 1984 he became the resident conductor of the equally famous Black Dyke Mills Band and was very much a part of their 1985 "Grand Slam", the year they won every major title.
He returned to Brighouse & Rastrick in 1987 as their Prof. Musical Director for a period of three years. In 1988 he was awarded the "Iles Medal Of Honour" for his services to Brass Bands. Since 1990 he has been totally freelance as a conductor, taking the opportunity to direct many of the U.K.'s top bands. He devotes much of his time to composing and arranging and training the youth of today.