Pemberton Old, Wigan DW Band has just received a great boost to their successful youth set up with the award of a grant from the Coalfield Regeneration scheme.

New instruments

The money will be used to purchase a further 19 instruments in order to extend the band’s ability to provide increased musical tuition in the local community.

The current Youth band was formed in 1996 and currently has 29 members with a further 8 in their growing Training Band.

At Pemberton we welcome anyone who is interested and wants to play. We provide tuition and workshops supported by senior members of the A and B bandsPemberton Old Wigan DW Band

Progress

A further 14 players have progressed through the youth system into the organisation’s 'B' Band, and no less than 6 onto the Championship Section band.

John Don-Duncan, the Youth band conductor, recruits new players from local Primary schools and hopes to take advantage of the Governments ‘Wider Opportunities Scheme’ which provides children with a ‘one year taster.’ They are given free lessons and an instrument for one year.

Welcome

He told 4BR: "At Pemberton we welcome anyone who is interested and wants to play. We provide tuition and workshops supported by senior members of the A and B bands, some of whom are students at the RNCM and Salford University."