Just seven years after it started its successful youth band, the NASUWT Riverside organisation is sowing a new field of playing seeds which they hope will eventually grow into yet another generation of brass and percussion players for their bands.

Vital entry level

A new training band is to be set up to provide the vital entry level of tuition with the hope that the players will be able to filter through to the vibrant Riverside Concert Band and eventually to the senior Championship Section outfit.

The original youth band was set up in 2004 by Alan Hope and has gone on to qualify for two National Finals and be promoted to the Third Section.

Foundation

Alan told 4BR: "This is the ideal way in which we can create a new foundation for the organisation. There is such a latent demand in the area for music making and we hope we will be able to tap into it once more.

We can promise plenty of fun and great tuition to anyone of any age — nobody is too young or too old to enjoy themselves!"

Come along and have a go. We are sure everyone will enjoy themselves – and you never know – we may just unearth another Jim ShepherdAlan Hope

First rehearsal

The first rehearsal will start next week and Alan hopes that the new initiative will attract whole families to the joys of playing brass and percussion instruments.

"Come along and have a go. We are sure everyone will enjoy themselves – and you never know – we may just unearth another Jim Shepherd."

Times and dates

Rehearsals will be held in the bandroom in Pelton Fell near Chester-le- Street on Wednesday evenings.

For details please contact either Alan Hope on: 0776 5656729 or band
manager Michael Duncan on: 0751 4117995.