The conductor of Cambridge Heath Brass, Roy Terry, was wearing his 'professional' hat recently as Schools Music Adviser, when he encountered the brass band from Archbishop Sumner School in Vauxhall.

Roy was attending the Education Sunday service at St Paul’s Cathedral in 2008, and the recently-formed band had been invited to take part.

New venture

The school already had various musical activities, but when looking for a new musical opportunity for the children they decided to form a brass band, securing funding and receiving considerable support from the school itself.

The young players were without doubt enthusiastic, but having never had the opportunity to hear what a brass band was capable of, the idea for a joint concert with Cambridge Heath Brass and the school’s brass band and choir came about.

The young people responded enthusiastically to the band items, and the bandsmen were without exception thrilled and inspired by the commitment and enjoyment shown by the young people4BR

Delayed by the snow

The event was originally due to take place in February, but had to be postponed as London was paralysed by the snow, and so the forces eventually got together at St Peter’s Church, Vauxhall, on Monday 22nd June.

Despite it being a week night, fifteen members of Cambridge Heath were able to attend, presenting a varied programme of music.

Verve and energy

Meanwhile, the similar sized brass group from the school played with tremendous verve and energy, with an excellent sense of rhythm.

Award-winning choir

The school choir, which has won numerous awards, also performed, whilst there were two combined items.

Encouragement

The young people and their families responded enthusiastically to the band items, and the bandsmen were without exception thrilled and inspired by the commitment and enjoyment shown by the young people.

Common link

It is to be hoped that the evening offered encouragement to the young band, as they prepare for their first appearance outside London, at the Music for Youth National Festival in Birmingham in July.

The common link with St Paul’s Cathedral was underlined by the band’s final item, the hymn tune 'French', with which the band always used to close its contribution to the annual Watchnight Service.