The Lancashire Youth Band has welcomed its New Musical Director Helen Minshall, as a new era begins for the organisation.

In addition to a new musical direction, the band will also move into a brand new home at Lostock Hall Academy near Preston.

Outstanding

For the last 10 years the band, which was formed in 1960, was directed by David Little, Head of Wigan Music Service, meeting 16 times a year on a Saturday.

Now that role has been taken over by the 2014 Mortimer Medal recipient (above), who has also enjoyed an outstanding career in the education field, working for 15 years for Bolton Music Service as Head of Brass, and 10 years directing the highly successful Bolton Youth Brass Band.

Helen also set up the Astley Youth Band in 1994, developing it into a thriving organisation in the community of Astley and Tyldesley.

Experienced tutors

Helen will work with experienced tutors, including Brian Taylor and Josette Coupe with each of the Saturday sessions run like a mini course amid an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere where players can thrive and develop their skills.

There are now hopes to strengthen the band through a planned recruitment strategy, which will begin with an open rehearsal day on Saturday 19th September from 10.00am — 3.30pm at Lostock Hall Academy.

Players of Grade 3 standard and above are welcome to come along, rehearse with the band, and find out more about future plans.

The band offers an additional learning experience for young players who are already members of bands in the local area, and seeks to work alongside those bands rather than be in competition for playersspokesperson

Learning experience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The band offers an additional learning experience for young players who are already members of bands in the local area, and seeks to work alongside those bands rather than be in competition for players.

Helen plans to take the band to the National Youth Brass Band Championships at RNCM in April, and also hopes to participate in the National Festival of Music for Youth. She also hopes to plan collaborative concerts with bands in the local area."

Find out more

Please email Helen on lancashireyouthbrassband@gmail.com if you are interested in finding out more about LYBB.