More Brass Factor success for Wardle Academy Junior Band

Wardle Academy Junior Band

On Saturday, 15 November, the Wardle Academy Junior Band competed at a national brass competition, the Brass Factor, in Holmfirth and succeeded in winning third place.

The competition saw six professional brass bands, including the Hebden Bridge Band and the Hade Edge band, compete in front of an all-star judging panel and a sell-out audience at the Picturedrome, Holmfirth. The panel was made up of three brass band experts as well as celebrity judge, John Middleton, who plays Ashley in Emmerdale.

The Wardle Academy Junior Band put on a fantastic array of music, using a movie theme, including Everybody from the Blues Brothers, Raiders March from Indiana Jones, Singing in the Rain, Scooby Doo, Abba Gold, Bear Necessities and Snake, Rattle and Roll.

The Junior Band were the only act to receive all positive comments from the judges, and unlike the other competing bands, they were the only non-adult act.

Gwen Smith, Conductor, said: “The band did us proud! This was the first time the Junior band had performed in public and to win third place is a fantastic achievement, especially when competing against adult bands who have been performing together for years. I’d like to thank the parents who showed their support and made it an enjoyable evening.”

Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts, added: “Gwen has done well to get the band to this standard in less than 10 weeks, this was their first big job together and they played magnificently! Well done to the band, they really enjoyed their experience and came away with third place.”

After recognising the Junior Band’s talent through the Brass Factor, Leeds Rhino’s Jamie Peacock has asked them to play during his testimonial. The band eagerly accepted the invitation and are looking forward to playing at Headingley Stadium in December.