The first gathering of the Yorkshire Youth Band following the start of the new educational term took place at Saddleworth School in Uppermill on the weekend.

Supported by Geneva Group it was directed by Black Dyke principal cornet Richard Marshall and solo trombone Brett Baker, with tutors and staff from the Queensbury band including Dan Thomas, Siobhan Bates, John O'Brien, Adam Neild, Laura Conway, Matthew Routley, Neil Edwards and Becky Childs.

Demanding repertoire

The talented young players were faced by some demanding repertoire — with music by James Curnow, Paul Lovatt-Cooper and Dan Price to tackle in section and full band rehearsals throughout the day, although after lunch there was time to relax as they were able to enjoy a workshop led by Richard, Dan and Brett.

Family members packed into the school hall at the end of the afternoon to hear the progress the players had made, with the sounds of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Haunted Halls', Dan Price's 'Starburst' and James Curnow's 'Appalachian Mountain Song Suite'.

Fantastic

YYBB administrator Alison Childs told 4BR: "It was a great first get together for the players — all eager to show just how much they had missed playing with each other. The sounds were fantastic and the desire and enthusiasm was second to none as always.

The pride in representing their own bands as part of the Yorkshire Youth Band is something they feel is very special."

The pride in representing their own bands as part of the Yorkshire Youth Band is something they feel is very specialAlison Childs

Next course

The next course date is Sunday 16th February 2020, again at Saddleworth School. Any young players of Grade 4 standard and above interested in coming along to work with an experienced and enthusiastic group of tutors, should contact Alison Childs at Alison4horn@btinternet.com

The Yorkshire Youth Band is sponsored by Geneva Group and will once again perform at the 2020 Black Dyke Festival held in Leeds Town Hall next June.