Wardle Academy recently hosted a musical evening of entertainment as well as the Music for Youth regional festival, the first time a musical event had taken place in the new school building.

All nine of the school’s musical groups performed for a packed audience, with its Intermediate Band, conducted by Lee Rigg, performing a range of music including ‘Olympic Fanfare’.

Blast works

The Youth Band performed five pieces, including ‘A Colwell Suite’ by Philip Harper, the recent test piece for the National Youth Championships of Great Britain, and Junior Blast performed Keith Strachan’s ‘Snake Rattle and Roll’as well as other foot tapping works.

Meanwhile, the Training Band, conducted by Gwen Smith, performed ‘Top Notch’ by Jock McKenzie, amongst others and the Wind Band, conducted by Jane Conway, performed four pieces of music, including William Himes’ ‘Creed’.

Grease

Jane Conway also conducted the Show Band who played three pieces, whilst Gwen Smith also directed the Junior Band who dressed for the part for ‘Grease’.

Cliff Woodworth directed the Folk Group’s three pieces and Jocelyn Lavin lead the Choir who sang three songs, including ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis.

It was our first concert in the new school, and everything smoothly. It was a fabulous eveningJanet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts

Fabulous

Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts, told 4BR: "It was our first concert in the new school, and everything smoothly. It was a fabulous evening."

The next day, the Music for Youth festival so Wardle enter its Youth, Junior, Wind, Choir and Folk Groups, all of who performed superbly.

Janet Emsley, added: “It was a pleasure to see so many varied musical groups from different areas. We hope they enjoyed our hospitality — because we enjoyed all the performances. It rounded off a brilliant weekend of music making.”