The inspirational conductor and music teacher Sam Harrison is making sure her pupils and players at Elland Silver Youth Band are not missing out on lessons and tuition during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

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Sam was teaching around 200 students in West Yorkshire every week until the schools closed and all non-essential activities curtailed.

But now, with the help of 14-year-old trombone player and technical guru Oliver Hirst — she is offering virtual lessons over the internet to all her pupils and band members.

The band would have been performing this weekend at the National Youth Brass Band Championships in Rotherham, but following their cancellation the players will instead take the opportunity to practice from home, aided by Samantha's online tutelage.

Sam's passion for brass band music making saw her give up a successful career — a decision that has gained her plaudits all over the banding world — including the award of the Mortimer Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

thanks to technology I've been able to continue to work and enjoy my music with others. It's all open my eyes to future possibilities for creative learningSam Harrison

Learning curve

She told 4BR: "This week has been a quick learning curve, and thanks to technology I've been able to continue to work and enjoy my music with others. It's all open my eyes to future possibilities for creative learning."

Meanwhile, one of her pupils, 15-year-old Gemma Hall, said: "It's strange without your teacher being in the classroom, but once we turned the sound up it was just like a regular lesson. It's giving me the motivation I need to keep improving and work towards my Grade 8 in December."