Grimethorpe Colliery Band is set to launch an exciting new venture, which they hope will provide young players with the inspiration to start a lifelong association with brass bands.

Youth Band

The first Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band open day, starting at 9.45am, will take place on Saturday 26th May at the local Shafton School, and will see many of Grimethorpe’s star players on hand to offer advice, tips and practical teaching skills.

Free Open Day

The opening day and all future courses are all completely free of charge and funded by Besson Musical Instruments.

Euphonium player Michael Dodd told 4BR: "We are all extremely grateful to Besson for providing financial assistance to help make this fantastic venture work. It’s a great opportunity to be involved with Grimethorpe Band.

We have long term plans to ensure that these young players get the very best start to what we hope will be a lifelong passion for playing in a brass band."

First taste

Michael added: "The first open day will see Grimethorpe players tutor the young players in both sectionals and full ensemble rehearsals. To round things off we will give them all the first taste of what being part of Grimethorpe Band is all about, with a joint concert involving the new Youth Band."

Fully committed

Gareth Crane gave 4BR further details. "The concept is still in early development, but we are fully committed to the long term success of this exciting project. We have spoken to the music services of Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Wakefield who are all keen to come on board. The ethos though is about making it open to everyone aged 19 or younger at Grade 4 standard."

We have long term plans to ensure that these young players get the very best start to what we hope will be a lifelong passion for playing in a brass bandMichael Dodd

Student links

He added: "We are going to run this in partnership with Salford University Music Department to ensure there is progression and opportunity for students and players in the next stage of their musical careers.

Students will benefit by being invited to conduct, tutor and compose pieces for the youth band which in turn will assist them greatly with their studies, whilst it will give the young players the chance to find out more about the possibility of making a long term commitment to a career in music."

Interested?

Anyone interested in becoming a member or would like further information please contact the band at: www.grimethorpeband.com