Grimethorpe Colliery Band is offering over 50 young brass and percussion players another exciting opportunity to experience performing brass band music together.

An all-star team of tutors will be on-hand to provide guidance in a series of rehearsals and sectionals designed with fun and learning in mind at a special 'Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band Day' which takes place today (Saturday 20th October) at Outwood Academy near Grimethorpe.

It is the latest event in a successful initiative aimed at enhancing the enjoyment of musical education of youngsters drawn from schools and youth ensembles from across the north of England.

Leading performers

Led by Jim Fletcher, Mike Cavanagh and Kim Ward, the day has attracted over 50 prior registrations with more youngsters expected to attend on the day.

The young players will spend time with leading brass performers and educators in lessons and sectional rehearsals, as well as having the opportunity to rehearse under guest conductor, John Doyle.

Fun

Jim told 4BR: "It's a privilege to have John with us. He is renowned for making his music teaching fun and that's exactly how we want these Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band sessions to be.

He has widespread experience and a brilliant sense of humour, so we're sure the young musicians who enroll as members of the Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band on Saturday are in for a great day."

Joining John will be Grimethorpe co-principal cornet Jamie Smith, who will be the guest soloist and cornet tutor on the course, whilst current and former members such as Dave Nichols, Hannah Platt, Michael Dodd, Chris Binns, Shaun Crowther and Rhianon Harding will be present to offer inspiration, support and opportunities to learn.

This is a vitally important initiative for the band and forms an integral element of our commitment to building upon the legacy of Grimethorpe as a core part of our communityGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Community core

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "This is a vitally important initiative for the band and forms an integral element of our commitment to building upon the legacy of Grimethorpe as a core part of our community.

At a time when music education is being threatened, we are determined to ensure that young people can benefit from being inspired by the very best in the brass band world whilst ensuring that as many young people as possible benefit from the experience of playing music together in a safe and fun environment."

Time and place

The Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band course begins at 9.30am and will include a concert provided by the band at 3.00pm.

Parents, relatives and friends are all welcome and is free of charge to everyone!