Youth brass band hit the top note

Rochdale Youth Band, soloist Ellie Warren (front centre)

Rochdale Youth Brass Band reign supreme in popular contest.

The band, led by Ben Dixon, were crowned winners in a packed Salvation Army Hall on Sunday 29 October, beating Oldham and Whitworth and Healey to top spot.

The band hit all right notes and wowed the judges with their performance of ‘Olympic Fanfare and Theme’ by John Williams, ‘As the Deer’ by Rutter and ‘Fire in the Blood’ by Paul Lovatt Cooper.

To add to the successful night for Rochdale Council’s Music Service, Ellie Warren, who plays Cornet, also won the soloist award.

Councillor Donna Martin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone in the band and Emily the soloist. It’s a great achievement and is another success story for our music service.”

The North West Area Brass Bands Association’s popular contest attracted bands from far and wide with both adult and youth competitions.

Liz Jacobs, head of Rochdale Music Service, was blown away by the band’s performance, she said: “The band did so well, it was a stunning performance. The weekend of brass was a great spectacle and something we’re very proud to have here in Rochdale.”

Youth Brass Band is aimed at student’s grade 4 or above. The band is a fun but hard working ensemble that provides students with a number of fantastic experiences. Over the past year, the band has performed in a number of high profile concerts and contests, receiving a number of prizes. These performances allow the band to perform in a number of the country’s leading concert halls. The band also enables its members to make some great friends that they can share their musical journey with.

Rochdale Music Service, operated by Rochdale Council, is a friendly and accessible service that provides high quality music tuition in schools across the Borough and also from the Music Centre, based in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall. Whatever your musical interests, your standard of playing or age, there is a session for you to join. Find out more about the service on their website gmmusichub.co.uk/rochdale