Wardle Academy Youth Band crowned European champions

Wardle Academy Youth Band crowned European champions

Wardle Academy Youth Band were crowned winners of their section at the European Brass Band Championships on Sunday 3 May.

The band members, staff and several parents travelled down to Freiburg by coach early on Friday morning, arriving late that night. They then spent Saturday rehearsing at a local church before the main event on Sunday.

The band, conducted by Sean Conway, were first on stage, they played what was described as an “enjoyable, well-directed” programme comprising: ‘On the Quarter Deck’, ‘Old Hundredth’, ‘The Shepherd’s Song’, the test piece ‘Patterns’ and ‘I’ll Walk With God’. They received positive comments from both judges and were told they have “swagger, great dynamic, great tempo” and a “lovely, balanced, warm sound”.

Five other brass bands from Germany, Scotland, Norway and Lithuania also competed for the title but Wardle Academy Youth Band claimed the first place prize with 90 points out of a total of 100.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts at Wardle Academy, said: "The band never cease to amaze and delight me, their achievements this year have been absolutely phenomenal, and we’re not even half way through yet.

"I am bursting with pride, people from all over the world were complimenting us on the Band’s performance but also on their exemplary behaviour off the stage.

"They participated in the Championships in the spirit of brass banding, showing support for other bands and enjoying their performances.

The band arrived back at Wardle on Sunday night and were welcomed by governors, parents, pupils and staff of the school waving flags and banners to celebrate their success.

The band also put on a cictory performance on the evening of Wednesday 6 May in the Wardle village square for members of the public.