Last weekend, 28 players from the Midlands area met up for the first North East Midlands Youth Band course.

Impromptu concert finale

Led by Musical Adviser Michael Fowles alongside tutors Richard Marshall, Stan Lippeatt, Michael Dodds, Brett Baker, Simon Gresswell and Adie Smith, the youngsters took part in workshops, sectional practice and full band rehearsals.

The day was rounded off with an impromptu concert performance of Alan Fernie's 'Anglian Dances' and 'African Funk' to an audience of over 70 parents and supporters.

The standard of playing after only meeting for a few hours really shows what can be achievedYouth Band Director Martin Heartfield

Success

Youth Band Director Martin Heartfield told 4BR: "I was delighted with the success of our first meeting and the feedback from players and parents was fantastic. The standard of playing after only meeting for a few hours really shows what can be achieved."

Plans are already in place for further courses over the next year with a joint concert to be announced in due course.