The 41st Brass in Concert Festival will take place at Sage Gateshead this weekend with a full schedule of world class musical attractions.

The festival comprises a Saturday evening Gala Concert as a prelude to the entertainment contest on the Sunday, whilst there will also be the opportunity to hear a number of other concert features by the likes of the award winning Wardle Academy Youth Brass as well as the Taster & Education sessions for those wishing to have a blow on a brass instrument for the first time.

Workshop tuition

Following a successful workshop appearance in 2016 of 12 young players from the Whitely Memorial Church of England First School in Bedlington, a partnership has now been established between Music Partnership North (Northumberland) and Brass in Concert to open up tuition under the guidance of leading players for up to 125 youngsters.

Last week this saw five schools take part in a great event at St. Cuthbert's Church, Bedlington, where pupils form Whitely Memorial, West End First School, Ellington Primary School, Mowbray Primary School and Stead Lane Primary School took part.

Inspired

Led by the inspirational Laura Jackson augmented by players from Reg Vardy and NASUWT Riverside Bands together with Music Partnership North (Northumberland) staff it was a brilliant success.

Now these players will head to Sage Gateshead on Saturday to join the workshops, where they will rehearse music under Cory MD Philip Harper and tutors from Cory Band — all leading to a free concourse concert at 2.30pm, resplendent in their special tee shirts!

Fantastic opportunity

BiC spokesperson and Chairman, of the North of England Regional Brass Band Association Hugh Stephenson told 4BR: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talent whilst making new friends and having fun at the same time."

This is a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talent whilst making new friends and having fun at the same timeBiC spokesperson and Chairman, North of England Regional BBA, Hugh Stephenson

Rich heritage

Meanwhile, Fiona Johnstone, Business Development Officer, Music Partnership North (Northumberland) added: "We would like to express our gratitude to Brass in Concert for this unique opportunity. Providing these high quality activities for young people is crucial to the success of re-engaging young people in the rich brass heritage.

Following the feedback we received from the students involved in last year's event we have worked together to broaden the involvement of Music Partnership North and provide an exceptional location for the students to perform."

The Youth and Education Programme is supported by Arts Council England and through grants from North East England Trusts and Foundations.