The Shepherd Group Youth Band, the only brass band in York consisting of players aged under 21, recently visited Devizes in Wiltshire where they worked with 'Jemima's Gift', an innovative charity which provides opportunities for young people to reach their full potential in a range of fields.

Passions

Set up in memory of Jemima Prees, it allows young people to pursue their passions — from providing sporting equipment to funding study in prestigious music schools.

During the four day tour the band helped raise £1,000 for the charity through concerts, workshops, and even a ceilidh! The players were also able to visit the stunning settings of Caen Hill Locks and Avebury.

The band have since performed at the regional Music for Youth Festival held in Harrogate where they received impressive comments from tutors, organisers and audience members alike.

I couldn't be more proud of how the band has progressed over the past two years: The musicianship shown by this fantastic group of young players is a great sign of future potentialMusical Director,Craig Brown

Proud

Musical Director, Craig Brown told 4BR: "I couldn't be more proud of how the band has progressed over the past two years: The musicianship shown by this fantastic group of young players is a great sign of future potential."