The Yorkshire Youth Band has just completed a highly successful its first course at Saddleworth School.

No worries

Course Administrator Alison Childs told 4BR: “ You are always unsure just how things will work out when you are moving to a new venue, but we need not have worried as the course attracted 15 new members and the facilities were excellent."

The course was directed by Professor Nicholas Childs, with Richard Marshall leading the tutorial staff which included Gary Curtin, Zoe Hancock, Jonny Bates, John O'Brien, Chris Binns, Adrian Hirst, Matthew Routley and Adie Smith.

Repertoire

The day included sectionals and full band rehearsals, together with a question and answer development session, whilst repertoire included James Curnow's ‘Jubilation’, Goff Richards' ‘Doyen’, and Alan Fernie's ‘Prismatic Light’.

During the day, young composer Jonathan Bates, gave a conducting insight into his popular work, ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ — and it was an experience he, and the young players thoroughly enjoyed too, as one told 4BR.

"It was the first time for me to attend the YYBB – and it’s the best band I have ever played in.

Everyone made me feel so welcome and I can't wait for the next day. At the beginning of the day I found it challenging but by the end I was enjoying every minute performing.”

We had a great first visit to Saddleworth and we are all now looking forward to our appearance in the forthcoming Black Dyke Festival and the 160th Anniversary ConcertProf. Nicholas Childs

Great first visit

Course Director, Prof Nicholas Childs added: “We had a great first visit to Saddleworth and we are all now looking forward to our appearance in the forthcoming Black Dyke Festival and the 160th Anniversary Concert."

Wishing to be a part

Anyone wishing to find out more information about Yorkshire's Premier Youth Band on our next gathering in Sunday 22nd March, should contact Alison Childs at: alison4horn@btinternet.com