Black Dyke is playing its part inspiring the next generation of young Yorkshire players according to a report on the front page of the BBC website today (Tuesday 8th May)
In a feature about the ongoing nationwide pressure on the provision of music education in schools, BBC Education reporter Judith Burns features the pupils of the Foxhill Primary School in Queensbury in Bradford — home to the most famous brass band in the world.
Bold decision
It highlights the bold decision of the Head teacher Sally Hey to lead the way a decade ago in creating a brass band in the school — one that now its section at the recent Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech & Drama.
It also shed a light on the incredible work of Garry Walls, who undertakes unpaid teaching work at the school and leads the evening rehearsals that see families come together to play, and the connection with Black Dyke that has already seen the youngtsers perform with the Yorkshire Champion.
All the members of Black Dyke Band just started out like us. And we could be like them if we keep pushing forwardFoxhill Primary School pupil
Amazing results
Both Sally and Garry talk of the amazing results achieved by having over 80 pupils learning instruments — and of their fear that further 'standstill' budget settlements over the next three years could seriously impact on their work.
And as a youngster tells the BBC reporter: "All the members of Black Dyke Band just started out like us. And we could be like them if we keep pushing forward."
