Film and television composer Howard Goodall, who officially opened Smithills School as a 'Specialist Performing Arts College' in 2004, made a welcome return visit to the school this week.

Theme tunes

The award winning composer of 'Blackadder', 'Mr Bean', 'The Vicar of Dibley', 'QI' currently presents a weekly, two hour show every Saturday on Classic FM radio in addition to presenting many BBC and Channel 4 television programmes.

Howard was in Bolton to receive an Honorary Doctorate, and in his acceptance speech singled out Smithills School Senior Brass Band and MD Chris Wormald for providing him inspiration4BR

Inspiration

Howard was in Bolton to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University and in his acceptance speech singled out Smithills School Senior Brass Band and MD Chris Wormald for providing him inspiration to become heavily involved in music education following their performance in the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2003.

He went on to compose a piece especially for the band in 2004 which was given its world premiere on the band’s 2005 USA tour.

School tour

Having received his Honorary Doctorate, Howard accompanied Chris Wormald to Smithills where a number of senior brass band players were waiting to welcome them, including principal cornet player Joanna Hurst who played on the Christmas special of 'The Vicar of Dibley' at the personal invitation of Howard two years ago.

After a tour of the school, and the Music Department, Howard then left for Manchester airport before flying back to London to work on more award winning music.