The Blue Coat School have just arrived back from the prestigious National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham with an NUT ‘Sponsors Award’.

Seven year return

The band performed alongside seven other invitees in what was their first performance at the event after a seven year absence.

The 40 strong band from Oldham, led by MD Neil Hewson produced a performance described by music mentor Eric Tebbitt as "...full of clarity, control, communication and commitment"

Their programme contained music by Philip Sparke, James Anderson and Goff Richards and it heavily featured the band's trombone section of Rosie Johnson, Charlotte Spence, Richard Hall and Richard Donallon.

I’m delighted that the hard work, dedication and effort that every pupil has put into the programme has paid offNeil Hewson

Delighted

Neil told 4BR: "I’m delighted that the hard work, dedication and effort that every pupil has put into the programme has paid off.

They were absolutely brilliant on stage and I’m so proud of each and every one of them. The standard of performance and consistency has grown considerably in recent times and there are some very exciting times ahead for the Blue Coat School Band."