4BR has been informed that the Brighouse & Rastrick Band has made the historic decision to establish a youth band.

May launch

It is the first such decision to add an extra playing tier to the band since it was founded in 1881 and it is the intention to have the Brighouse & Rastrick Youth Band up and running during May of this year.

Newly appointed Musical Director Dean Redfern, previously directed the successful Rochdale, Boarshurst and Delph Youth Bands, and has been more recently a cornet player and Chairman of the main Brighouse & Rastrick Band.

Positive move

He told 4BR: "We believe it’s a very positive move to help secure the long term future of Brighouse & Rastrick Band, and to further provide additional musical opportunities for young players in the area.

The ultimate aim is to duplicate the success of the senior band by becoming one of the leading youth bands in the country, developing young players to hopefully join the senior band in years to come."

Contesting

With the modern facilities at B&R’s West Ridings HQ, offers of support from players within the senior band and the recent announcement of support from Yamaha for the new venture, Dean believes the youth band will be performing concerts later this year and competing in competition from early 2014.

Plans are already in place to play at joint concerts later in the year together with the senior band.

Great opportunity

Band President Paul Beaumont told 4BR: "The youth band has the support of everyone associated with B&R, and potential players shouldn’t miss out on a great opportunity to be part of something unique and very special right from the start.

As well as players we welcome parents to get involved with the day to day organisational side of running the youth band and potentially the senior band as well."

The youth band has the support of everyone associated with B&R, and potential players shouldn’t miss out on a great opportunity to be part of something unique and very special right from the startPaul Beaumont

Welcome

Brighouse & Rastrick Youth Band welcome any player aged 18 or below that that can play to an acceptable level.

An open day is planned at the band room on Saturday 27th April between 10.30am and 3.00pm at which any interested player is requested to come along to see the fantastic facilities the band has to offer.

More information:

Auditions will be held on the day or the weekend after on Saturday 4th May again at the band room, Finkil Street, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 2NY, between 10.00am – 2.00pm.

For further details email Dean on dean.redfern@jwlees.co.uk, ring him on 07711227625 or turn up at the open day.