The talented youngsters of the Yorkshire Youth Band enjoyed a menu of hard work, great music and plenty of fun on their latest gathering in Saddleworth.

Led by Black Dyke Band Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, and helped by the continued support of Besson Musical Instruments, the course was conducted by Brett Baker and Richard Marshall assisted by Queensbury band stars Dan Thomas, Siobhan Bates, Matt Routley, Harry Cunningham, John O'Brien and Neil Edwards.

Black Dyke Festival

Over 60 young musicians took part, with the logistics and organisation expertly handled by Course Administrators Alison and Rebecca Childs.

The band continues to work towards a final workshop day on May 13th and its performance at the Black Dyke Brass Festival at Leeds Town Hall on June 3rd.

The youngsters certainly enjoyed themselves on Alan Fernie's 'Starlight' and Philip Harper's 'Olympus', as well 'Mack the Knife', 'Them Basses' and 'Pines of Rome', for massed band items with Black Dyke that Prof Childs told 4BR may just take the roof off Leeds Town Hall!

New members

Meanwhile, Alison told 4BR that she was especially delighted that a further nine new members have joined the band this year. "It's wonderful to welcome new players and to see them flourish in an atmosphere that is inclusive and full of encouragement.

The Yorkshire Youth Band continues to go from strength to strength as the youngsters develop and with exciting things to look forward to."

Playing with the band offers an ideal opportunity of playing at an exceptionally high level without it clashing with existing band commitmentsBrett Baker

Ethos

Black Dyke's trombone star Brett Baker added: "The ethos at the Yorkshire Youth Band is all about inspiration and enabling young players to grow and develop.

They can go back to their own bands to keep on improving and then return again to meet up with friends and enjoying themselves once more.

Playing with the band offers an ideal opportunity of playing at an exceptionally high level without it clashing with existing band commitments."

Interest in joining?

The next Yorkshire Youth Band course will be on Sunday, 13th May.

New members are always welcome and should contact Course Administrator Alison Childs at: alison4horn@btinternet.com