Buoyed by their excellent showing at the recent National Youth Championships Sellers International Youth Band has announced further growth plans.

Mighty Oaks

The organisation is now forming a ‘Mighty Oaks’ Band, which they hope will be a stepping stone from the starters at their ‘Little Acorns’ to the main Sellers International Youth Band.

The encouraging move has been made possible thanks to the hard work of MD Alex Kerwin took over in December 2009.

Bright future

Following an extensive period of rebuilding the future now looks very bright indeed.

To ensure further progress Alex has divided the emerging players into teams named after Black Dytk legends — Murphy, Watson, Parkes and Whitham.

To ensure further progress Alex has divided the emerging players into teams named after Black Dytk legends — Murphy, Watson, Parkes and Whitham4BR

Inspiration

Alex told 4BR: "These men will give the youngsters inspiration and pride to belong in their respective teams. They were giants of the brass music world.

Each player has to play scales, exercises, demonstrate bandsman qualities and even keeping the bandroom tidy. The incentive has proved very successful already, with a real sense of motivation to practice."

Real buzz

Alex added: "There’s are real buzz about the band at the moment. From uncertain times last year we’ve worked hard to not only sustain one band but to build two more and by attracting youngsters to take up brass instruments we’re doing our bit to look after the local musical heritage."