The North Wilts Youth Band has just returned from the fantastic experience of playing for the first time at the National Youth Championships of Great Britain.

Collaboration

The band was formed from the collaboration between two West of England bands, Aldbourne and Brunel Brass, who got together to discuss ways in which they could provide greater opportunities for young players in their area.

As a result a composite band was formed and in January players from six local bands met for the first time.

And despite some youngsters having to travel into Swindon for the Saturday rehearsals, Brunel's Great Western Youth Band hosted the limited rehearsal times and provided a core of players.

On the contest day, their conductor Alan Campbell shared conducting duties with Aldbourne Youth Band MD, Janet Roe.

Steep learning curve

A spokesperson told 4BR: "With the playing experience ranging from a couple of years to those who compete in the championship section, it's been a steep learning curve for many players who don't ordinarily encounter such challenging music.

The players worked incredibly hard, making new friends and having fun along the way. For many youngsters playing in Warwick last Sunday was their first experience of performing outside of their own band, let alone playing at a national contest.

We all thoroughly enjoyed their day and already plans are underway to continue working together."

We all thoroughly enjoyed their day and already plans are underway to continue working togetherspokesperson

Support

And as Aldbourne Youth MD Janet Roe added: "Thanks to the support of so many at Brunel Brass we did what we set out to do, which was to provide the young players with a fantastic experience.

The whole venture was very much a team effort and we all thoroughly enjoyed every part of it."