Young musicians from across Cheshire East were recently invited to take part in a memorable masterclass with two musical superstars at Sandbach School.

Supported by Yamaha UK and facilitated by the Love Music Trust, the legendary American trumpet star Allen Vizzutti and woodwind multi-instrumentalist George Shelby dropped in for an inspirational afternoon workshop.

10 lucky students also had the opportunity to perform to and receive tuition from Allen and George in front of an appreciative audience.

Fantastic experience

Foden's trombonist Love Music Trust Director John Barber told 4BR: "What a fantastic experience for everyone.

The young players from Macclesfield, Congleton, Alsager and Sandbach played incredibly well and their performances were met with great understanding, insight and humour from both Allen and George. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this rare opportunity."

Improvisation

George, who had just flown in that day from completing the European tour with Phil Collins shared practise techniques, musical shapes and ideas on improvisation with the performing students Aidan Hughes, Tomas Gleeson, Luke Prince, Mark Wheeler and Thomas Riddle, before the session ended with all students joining him in an impromptu blues improvisation session.

Supported by Yamaha UK and facilitated by the Love Music Trust, the legendary American trumpet star Allen Vizzutti and woodwind multi-instrumentalist George Shelby dropped in for an inspirational afternoon workshop4BR

Jaw dropping

Meanwhile, Allen began his class with a quick jaw-dropping rendition of 'Carnival of Venice' before working with Alex Thomson, Lewis Frost, William Dakin, Nadia James and Catherine Flanders on music ranging from the Haydn 'Trumpet Concerto' to Vizzutti's own composition, 'Funk'.

John Barber added: "Great thanks go to Yamaha Instruments for making this opportunity possible — one that the students will remember for many years."