The St Helens Youth Band and MD, Mark Bousie, is putting the final touches to their preparations for its forthcoming Easter trip to the USA.

Highlight

The band, which is visiting the Columbus area of Ohio, will depart from the UK on April 1st, returning 8 days later.

The musical highlight of the tour will be the band’s performance at the 2010 Ohio Brass Arts Festival (OBAF), held in the concert hall of the Ohio State University Music Department.

Following the fundraising efforts that raised around £50,000 made by all members over the last few months, the band’s excitement for its trip of a lifetime is tangibleSt Helens Youth Band

First

St Helens will be the first international group to perform at the Festival, which is now in its fourth year, and will perform alongside a number of Ohio bands, including the Brass Band of Columbus and the Central Ohio Brass Band).

Mark Bousie will also appear as guest soloist with COBB during their contribution to the Festival.

Guests

During the trip the band will also give a concert as guests of the Hilliard Darby High School Band and perform during the Easter Sunday celebrations at the Church of the Ascension in Columbus.

They will also take part in a masterclass at the Ohio State University, where they hope to pick up tips from OSU Music Professors and put some extra shine on its programme for its forthcoming participation in the Premier Section of the National Youth Brass Band Championships.

Excitement

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Following the fundraising efforts that raised around £50,000 made by all members over the last few months, the band’s excitement for its trip of a lifetime is tangible."