Samantha Harrison, the inspirational conductor and teacher at the helm of the remarkable Elland Youth Band has spoken to 4BR about her pride at being awarded the Mortimer Medal in recognition of her services to the tuition of young people in the brass band movement.

Presentation

The presentation was made at the Royal Albert Hall in London at the National Finals, although Sam modestly told 4BR that the award for all the people who have contributed to the organisation's success over the years.

"It was all a little overwhelming as it meant so much both to me and to everyone who has worked so hard in making the band and the Elland organisation such a success,"she said. "It really does belong to us all."

Sam started things off with a small leaner group over 20 years ago when she was just 18 and still studying at Huddersfield University.

Ambitious start

However, their first public appearance was an ambitious one, as she stated: "I was playing with the National Youth Band of Great Britain on my last course and brought along four or five little players to play a few tunes in their concert in Halifax with the great Peter Parkes looking on!"

From that high profile start Sam has gone on to inspire countless children to become part of one of the very best youth set-ups in the whole of the UK.

Gave up job

"I never thought it would turn out like this — but I love every minute of what I do,"she said.

"I even took the decision to give up my job in the NHS to teach in schools in our area to try and keep a flow of new children coming through the ranks year after year. Now it's my full time job and I couldn't be happier!"

It was all a little overwhelming as it meant so much both to me and to everyone who has worked so hard in making the band and the Elland organisation such a successSamantha Harrison

Overflowing

Sam's success now sees 20 or so primary school learners in Elland's Beginner/Starter Band, another 25 or so in their Training Band and 35 or more in their Youth Band enjoying playing week in and week out under her expert eye.

"The award is for all of them over the last 20 or so years — as they have given me so much pleasure, fun, joy and the occasional headache! It's why I love being part of the Elland organisation and being part of the brass band movement."