The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band returned to action last weekend at Saddleworth School to embark on their first gathering for the 2022/23 season.

The day started with informal auditions, followed by sectionals led by Black Dyke players Richard Marshall, John O'Brien, Brett Baker, Siobhan Bates, Matthew Routley and Gareth Hand.

Wonderful start

Full band rehearsals were led by Richard Marshall and Brett Baker, who told 4BR: "It was wonderful to start a new season with the talented young players and with plenty of great new repertoire to explore and perform."

He added: "What was even better was that there were over 20 new players in the 60 strong ensemble. I'm really looking forward to the next course and the series of workshops — there is so much talent to work with here."

That was something taken up by his colleague Richard Marshall who added: "To see so many first time players was so heartening, especially after the challenges of Covid. It's always humbling seeing them grow in confidence and push themselves surrounded by friends. It was a great start to what promised to be a great year."

To conclude the day, the band performed a concert to family members on the music that they had been working on.

Great start

Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "This has been such a great start to what promises to be an exciting season. To see yet more young players inspired to perform means such a great deal, with a special mention to the low brass performers.

Our thanks go to Geneva Instruments for its continued support and we are now looking forward to Saturday 3rd December, where we can meet again to build upon this fantastic start."

To join

If you would like to join us next time, please contact Administrator Alison Childs on alison4horn@btinternet.com