*
banner

Youngsters benefit from expert leads at Music for Youth

Tutors from Wardle High School have helped some talented youngsters enjoy a great time at the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham.

Symphony Hall
 

Three primary schools, which are taught and conducted by tutors from Wardle High School have performed at the Music for Youth National Festival in Birmingham to great acclaim.

Musical mentors

Littleborough Community Primary Wind Band and St James’ Church of England Primary Brass performed in front of musical mentors at the Adrian Boult Hall, whilst Smithy Bridge Primary Brass played at the magnificent Symphony Hall (above).

Littleborough, conducted by Black Dyke cornet star Lee Rigg, opened their programme with, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, before moving smoothly through, ‘Clough Top March’, ‘Summer Romance’ and ‘Toccata in D Minor’.

Excellent comments

The band received excellent comments from the mentors who congratulated them on playing their entire programme from memory.

Meanwhile, St James’, conducted by Gwen Smith, performed ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, ‘James Bond’, ‘Scooby Doo Meets the Muppets’ and ‘The A Team’, and also received excellent comments for a programme the mentors praised for its energy, enthusiasm and musical engagement.

Superb

Finally, Smithy Bridge conducted by Lee Rigg, performed ‘Everybody’, ‘Circus Parade’, ‘Fooling About’ and ‘Toccata in D Minor’.

The band’s outstanding performance saw the musical mentor’s state: "I can’t believe the true professionalism of this band. Superb!"

I can’t believe the true professionalism of this band. Superb!Musical mentor, Music for Youth Festival

Certificate

As a result, the band was awarded with the School’s Brass Band’s Certificate of Achievement for Performance Practice.

All three bands are now waiting to hear if they have got through to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


cHATEUS

Nakariakov to help celebrate 30th French Open

May 24 • The French Open Championships take place in the Lore Valley next month — headed by a cocnert performance by the incredible Sergei Nakariakov.


Storyteller

Wright & Round: The World's Greatest Storyteller (arr. Philip Harper)

May 24 • The wonderful tales of Roald Dahl brought to musical life by Philip Harper.


British Open

British Open ticket sale date announced

May 22 • The general sale of tickets for the 172nd British Open Championships will open on Friday 29th May.


NYBBGB

New Horizons repeat for NYBBGB on You Tube

May 22 • The concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain featuring the world premiere of 'Victoria Wood: A Laugh Less Ordinary' is now available to enjoy on You Tube.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Silk Brass

May 21 • Musical Director. Silk Brass are looking to recruit a suitably experienced person to take on this challenging and exciting position.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd