One of the UK's European Champion bands is looking for support to help maintain its position as one of the very best youth bands in the world.
Wardle Academy Youth claimed the European Youth Development Section title in Utrecht earlier this month despite some of the instruments the youngsters played on being up to 30 years old.
In fact, one of the rather dented instruments played on as they claimed the title had actually been used by one of the proud parents when they played with the band at the school!
Ambitious plans
And with ambitious plans to keep providing an incredible level of musical attainment through their pioneering brass band focus — one that has seen three levels of the school's bands win National Championship awards in the past year alone, they desperately need new instruments.
The band's inspirational conductor is Lee Rigg, and he told 4BR: "I wasn't any good at school. I just either played my cornet or messed about. I'd have headed the wrong way without music.
The head teacher at the time saved me really by offering me a job teaching brass in the primary schools, and I've gone on from there. I'm so grateful."
The band gives an incredible sense of confidence and empowerment. It's totally inclusive, supportive and so much fun. The long term benefits are incredible — it transforms young livesWardle parent
Incredible sense of confidence
And as one proud parent told 4BR in Utrecht: "The band gives an incredible sense of confidence and empowerment. It's totally inclusive, supportive and so much fun. The long term benefits are incredible — it transforms young lives."
The new instruments will enable the band benefit children on all rungs of their progression within the school, including the Intermediate Band for up to 16's, and Junior Blast (for primary schools in the area), both of which are also 2017 and 2018 national age group champions as well as the high school 'big band' and six feeder primary school bands.
Help
So if can help one of the very best youth bands in the UK, then why not visit their crowdfunder page and give a donation.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/instruments-for-wardle-academy-youth-band
