Wardle Intermediate Band conducted by their Head of Music, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, are to finish off the summer in style as they perform in a number of high profile events.

France

After performing as the finale act at the school's Summer Spectacular last Saturday they are now in preparation for their performance at Birmingham's Symphony Hall in the National Festival for Music for Youth followed straight away with a tour of France.

Qualified

It is the first time the band have qualified for the final stage in Birmingham as they follow in the footsteps of the School's Senior band who performed there last year and who also were invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms festival in November 2007.

It is a busy time for us but we are all bursting with anticipation and excitement at what will be a fantastic couple of weeksHead of Music, Paul Lovatt-Cooper

Close timing

"The timing of this event couldn't have been closer," commented Paul Lovatt-Cooper to 4BR. "The second we finish our last note at Symphony Hall we have to shoot straight back to school to catch our coach to France where we will embark on a whistle stop tour."

The Intermediate Band will travel to Paris where they will be performing at Astrix Theme Park, Disney and Central Park Paris. Then they will head down to the south of France to La Rochelle to enjoy time on the gorgeous white sandy beaches and to perform at the space themed park Futuroscope.

Fund raising

Paul who has been granted leave from Black Dykes summer concert schedule to was also grateful for their financial support: "We have organised a number of fund raising activities to help with the financial costs incurred with running a trip like this. The lads and girls at Dyke have put together on one of our sponsored events and have raised enough money for all the pupils to have an embroidered oxford shirt to mark the occasion many thanks to Nick and the guys we are all very grateful."

Experience

He also underlined the whole experience for the Intermediate band: "It is a busy time for us but we are all bursting with anticipation and excitement at what will be a fantastic couple of weeks. For some of these pupils it is an experience that they will never forget and one that they may not experience again."