A dozen years after they undertook a ground breaking three week tour to Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua in New Zealand, Smithills School Senior Band has renewed links with Tauranga trombonist Patrick Delaney.

Impression

Patrick was just 14 at the time of the 2003 tour, but such was the impression made on him by the British band that on his current visit to the UK he took time to come to the school and spend three hours of Saturday morning playing in a Smithills rehearsal.

The band rehearses every Saturday and Sunday morning throughout September and October in order to integrate the new players from the Smithills Junior Band into the Senior set up.

It was wonderful to renew our links with such a friendly and positive musician — although he has certainly grown up since 2003!MD, Chris Wormald

Great pleasure

MD Chris Wormald told 4BR: "With our current 48-strong ensemble being close to the best line-up we have ever enjoyed throughout my 26 years leading the band, it was a great pleasure to welcome Patrick to join us.

It was wonderful to renew our links with such a friendly and positive musician — although he has certainly grown up since 2003!"