The Wardle High School Band has been informed that they are to feature in the Music for Youth National Festival at the Royal Albert Hall in London later this year.

Perform

The band will open the Schools’ Prom in November with a performance of ‘Old 100th’ by Vaughan Williams before performing ‘Toccata’ from ‘Suite Gothique’ by Léon Boëllmann.

Although now converted to Academy status, the school is delighted by the achievement and the band, under the direction of MD, Lee Rigg will proudly bear its former name at the event.

Fourth time

Spokesperson, Janet Emsley told 4BR: "This will be the fourth time since 2000 that our school band has performed at the Royal Albert Hall. It is an incredible achievement for the school."

This will be the fourth time since 2000 that our school band has performed at the Royal Albert Hall. It is an incredible achievement for the schoolWardle High School

Primary connection

Meanwhile, the Wardle connection with the St James' Church of England Primary Band has also been boosted by the news that they have won a ‘National Partnership Award’ sponsored by the Royal Albert Hall.

The award was given to the band, which is made up of 6 – 11 year olds, out of 42 groups that took part the Infants and Juniors Section of the Music for Youth National Festival.

Collect award

Head teacher Catherine Aiden told 4BR: "The band will be going to the Albert Hall on the 24th September along with conductor Gwen Smith and a small group of students to collect the award."

Gwen works at Wardle Academy and goes to the primary school on a weekly basis to work with the band.

The band members will enjoy a guided tour of the famous hall and will attend a dress rehearsal of one of the Royal Albert Hall’s major events with a chance to meet the stars.

Exciting opportunity

Gwen Smith added: "This is a very exciting and wonderful opportunity. We were recognised out of the many great bands that performed at the Music For Youth National Finals in Birmingham and I could not be more pleased."