Elland Silver Youth Band recently hosted their second Youth Brass Festival at Halifax Minster.

Five junior, training and youth bands joined forces for a spectacular setting for a day of music making supported by the charity Action Medical Research, with proceeds from a raffle being donated to them.

Special guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale and Chris Harris, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, whilst the event also gained widespread media coverage with an image finding itself on the pages of the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

Vibrant atmosphere

Over 150 parents and members of the public also came along to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as Elland Silver Training, Dobcross Youth, Red Admiral Music Academy Youth, HD9 Community Brass and Elland Silver Youth Band presented 20 minute programmes covering repertoire from marches, pop music, film music original works.

It is now hoped to build on the success to make it into an annual event, with a spokesperson telling 4BR: "The atmosphere was really wonderful, with all the young musicians enjoying performing in the spectacular setting of the Minster, but also being able to cheer each other on as they listened to other bands.

We had lots of smiles and laughter amongst the bands, particularly in the massed bands."

At the start of the day all 140 youngsters rehearsed massed band items with each band being led by their Musical Director.

The young musicians were given a warm welcome from Elland Silver Youth MD Samantha Harrison and encouraged to get to know each other, with the musical finale a spectacular massed band rendition of 'YMCA' with the audience on their feet dancing.

Everyone left smiling and happy with memories of a fantastic day of music making with players, conductors, chaperones and volunteers all collaborating outside the competitive environmentSam Harrison

Left smiling

Sam Harrison added: "Everyone left smiling and happy with memories of a fantastic day of music making with players, conductors, chaperones and volunteers all collaborating outside the competitive environment.

The event wouldn't have been possible without the support of the conductors, bands, parents and players, and most importantly the team of volunteers who chaperoned the bands alongside the volunteers from the Minster."

She added: "It was a fantastic example of community music making at its best with all of the young people supporting and encouraging each other and making new friends. I would encourage more bands to find the opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other."

Image: Courtesy Poppy McCabe