*
banner

Macclesfield Youth help asthma support

A great new partnership sees Macclesfield Youth Band link up with local hospital to help youngsters with asthma.

Macclesfield Youth
 

David Rutley, the MP for Macclesfield, was one of the first people to congratulate Macclesfield Youth Band, after they were awarded £2,000 to help fund a scheme to encourage children with moderate or severe asthma to take up a brass instrument.

The band received the grant from Lloyds Bank, as part of its community fund, following a public vote last year.

Health support

Macclesfield Youth Brass Band was set up in 2005 and is a registered charity run by over 40 volunteers, including parents of band members and local musicians and consists of 120 members between the ages of 7 and 19 years, who are spilt into a Youth Band, Junior Band, Training Band and a drum corps.

The organisation is supported by the Paediatric Respiratory Service at Macclesfield General Hospital, who believe there are real health benefits for asthmatic children who take up playing a brass or wind instrument.

Training and support

With the funding, the band is hoping to recruit eight children over a two year period to learn to play a brass instrument, whilst Asthma Team Leader Elan Paton and young volunteers Elizabeth Taylor and Alice Waterhouse, both of whom are players in the youth band, will receive training in caring for children with asthma from the team at the hospital.

This is not the first time that the band has taken on such a project. Previous results were very positive, as participants reported measurable improvement in their breathing, as well as a reduction in the number of days off school due to asthma and improved sleep.

Great opportunity

Project Leader Elan Paton, whose son also plays in the Youth Band, told 4BR: “The band is very supportive of children with special health or learning needs, and this project provides a great opportunity for children with asthma to participate in something new that will also have a positive impact on their health.

We already know it works and that there is no reason why children with asthma cannot participate and progress really well in learning an instrument”.

this project provides a great opportunity for children with asthma to participate in something new that will also have a positive impact on their healthProject Leader Elan Paton

Fantastic

David Rutley MP (pictured with the band) added: “It’s fantastic to see Macclesfield Youth Brass band playing an important role in the lives of so many young people in the local community.

Playing a musical instrument has many positive educational, health and social aspects, so it is great to see the group going from strength to strength.

This funding is richly deserved, and I look forward to seeing the rewards of this work in the months and years ahead.”

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    


British Open

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd