*
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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd