Grimethorpe Colliery Band has continues to invest in its long term youth development programme with its latest community outreach initiatives.
It saw students from five Barnsley primary school brass band ensembles enjoy a day of brass workshops led by Barnsley Music Hub in partnership with the Yorkshire band.
Opportunity
Grimethorpe are providing funding for the bands which are open to children that have completed a year of wider ops tuition, with the band's Education Lead Jim Fletcher telling 4BR: "Lots of children are now receiving the opportunity to learn an instrument through the wider ops scheme.
However, the continuation after this year has finished is sometimes only open to those whose parents have got the resources to pay for lessons.
Barnsley Music Hub is doing fantastic work in this area, and to build on the work that they've already done with these groups we've now provided a commitment to fund these bands for the next three years."
Continue for free
He added: "This means children can continue learning a brass instrument for free. Instruments are also being provided by our partners at Besson, which means that all that is required from the children and their families is a commitment to learning to play a brass instrument."
Youth Workshop Day
Grimethorpe's continued commitment to working with the local community and young people will see them host a Youth Band Workshop Day on Saturday June 10th at Barnsley Civic.
Over 100 attended the last event and with over 70 students already signed up, this promises to be another successful day.
Details and a sign-up form can be found at: https://grimethorpeband.co.uk/youth/
Youth Band
The band is also launching a monthly Elite Youth Band for those young people who are grade 6 or above. The first rehearsal will take place at Grimethorpe's bandroom on Sunday July 2nd 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Horns, Bass Trombones, Bb Basses and Percussion are particularly encouraged to apply but anyone of the required standard can apply.
To register your interest please email: education@grimethorpeband.com
The band is absolutely committed to putting something back into the local community and to take the lead in ensuring that our great brass band movement can not only survive in the future but flourishGrimethorpe Colliery Band
Beginner's Group
Finally, in partnership with Grimethorpe & District Band, they have launched a beginner's group in Grimethorpe held every Thursday (6:00pm — 7:00pm).
This is available to anyone, with an emphasis on young people that have never played before and those that have only just started. There is also space for adult learners and those that wish to return to playing after a break.
For more information please email: education@grimethorpband.com.
Committed
Speaking about the commitment Grimethorpe's Band Manager Richard Windle said: "All these initiatives are free for those wishing to be a part.
The band is absolutely committed to putting something back into the local community and to take the lead in ensuring that our great brass band movement can not only survive in the future but flourish."