Manchester Metropolitan University and the Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West have announced the launch of their innovative Community Partnership.

New composer

As a result Adam Shilton, a current PhD student at MMU’s Cheshire campus has been appointed the band’s new Composer in Residence.

The partnership will see the band benefiting from use of MMU’s facilities, including state of the art recording studios, and will see them hold concerts and workshop events at campus venues.

Strategic

Dennis Dunn MBE, Dean of Faculty told 4BR: "This strategic partnership is about collaboration, synergy and making genuine opportunities for MMU students and staff to work with the band."

He added: "I’m genuinely excited by the benefits which will arise from our working closely with such a musically accomplished organisation."

Opportunities

Meanwhile, Band Manager Alan Smart, added: "Partnering with MMU brings opportunities for community engagement projects very much in line with our co-operative roots which will broaden our repertoire and audience, and nurture musical talent at all levels."

Working on new projects

The MD Jef Sparkes, is also excited by the prospect of teaming up with their new Composer in Residence: "I’m delighted to welcome Adam Shilton on board, especially after working closely with him on the premiere of ‘Through the Pink Mist’ at MMU’s Centenary Celebration Concert in September."

He continued: "Adam is now working on a feature-length movie with a bespoke brass score, entitled ‘Brass in the Blood’. This is a very exciting project, and there is much to look forward to."

Partnering with MMU brings opportunities for community engagement projects very much in line with our co-operative rootsBand Manager, Alan Smart

Brass in the Blood

Adam added: "I have really enjoyed working with Jef and the band over the last seven months, and my appointment is both a privilege and a fantastic opportunity.

There is plenty to be working on with ‘Brass in the Blood’ and some more contemporary works, so the future will certainly be a challenge for everyone involved."

First Open event

The first of these will be a free Open Rehearsal and a short concert at Studentzone on MMU’s Cheshire Campus on Saturday 9th March at 7.30pm, featuring the Regional Championship set work, ‘Harmony Music’.