A Salford primary school is absolutely buzzing with brass after the young pupils enjoyed an incredible 10 days of playing and performing.

Boothstown Methodist Primary School has established a fine programme of brass playing in the last three years, with 35 youngsters between the ages of 7 and 11 now enjoying small group or individual lessons.

Exam success

Recently, no less than 23 pupils entered Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations, grades 1, 2 and 3, achieving a Distinction, 11 Merits and 11 Passes.

That was followed by the school's 'Boothstown Blast' band ensemble travelling to Birmingham to take part in the National Festival of Music for Youth — putting on a fabulous show. In addition their 30-strong 'Rise and Shine Breakfast Choir' also performed, and sang their hearts out.

Worked so hard

Musical Director, Samantha Raisbeck told 4BR: "The children have worked so hard this year, and they're a real credit to the school. I'm so proud of them!"

On their return they also gave an excellent performance at the Annual Summer Fair, as well as rounding things off with another performance a few days later with a Summer Concert that featured 35 solo items and duets on trumpet, cornet, tenor horn, euphonium, baritone and tuba.

The Year 4 children have been taking part in a full class brass project all year with Samantha Raisbeck and Helen Minshall, and they also had the opportunity to perform at the concert.

The school's music tuition is provided by Minshall Music LTD, a small family company of five experienced teachers who deliver an hour's music curriculum lesson to each class from Year 1 to Year 6 every week in addition to teaching the 35 brass students between them.

The children have worked so hard this year, and they're a real credit to the school. I'm so proud of them!Musical Director, Samantha Raisbeck

Opportunities

Helen Minshall told 4BR: "The children have the opportunity to play not only brass instruments, including full class pBuzz, pBone Mini, but also ukulele, samba drums, recorders, and to sing and compose their own music."

She added: "It's a great pleasure to work in Boothstown Methodist Primary School, where music has a high profile, and the staff are all so supportive and encouraging.

The Head, Karen Armfield is a former trombone student of mine, and the support she gives is absolutely superb, creating opportunities for these young players to develop into fine musicians."