*
banner

Youngsters benefit from expert leads at Music for Youth

Tutors from Wardle High School have helped some talented youngsters enjoy a great time at the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham.

Symphony Hall
 

Three primary schools, which are taught and conducted by tutors from Wardle High School have performed at the Music for Youth National Festival in Birmingham to great acclaim.

Musical mentors

Littleborough Community Primary Wind Band and St James’ Church of England Primary Brass performed in front of musical mentors at the Adrian Boult Hall, whilst Smithy Bridge Primary Brass played at the magnificent Symphony Hall (above).

Littleborough, conducted by Black Dyke cornet star Lee Rigg, opened their programme with, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, before moving smoothly through, ‘Clough Top March’, ‘Summer Romance’ and ‘Toccata in D Minor’.

Excellent comments

The band received excellent comments from the mentors who congratulated them on playing their entire programme from memory.

Meanwhile, St James’, conducted by Gwen Smith, performed ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, ‘James Bond’, ‘Scooby Doo Meets the Muppets’ and ‘The A Team’, and also received excellent comments for a programme the mentors praised for its energy, enthusiasm and musical engagement.

Superb

Finally, Smithy Bridge conducted by Lee Rigg, performed ‘Everybody’, ‘Circus Parade’, ‘Fooling About’ and ‘Toccata in D Minor’.

The band’s outstanding performance saw the musical mentor’s state: "I can’t believe the true professionalism of this band. Superb!"

I can’t believe the true professionalism of this band. Superb!Musical mentor, Music for Youth Festival

Certificate

As a result, the band was awarded with the School’s Brass Band’s Certificate of Achievement for Performance Practice.

All three bands are now waiting to hear if they have got through to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Gala Theatre

Durham focus for North of England Area contenders

March 19 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and York later in the year.


Stevanage

Bands get ready for London & SC Area challenges

March 19 • Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre will host 76 bands battling for National Finals qualification this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd