The Vale of Glamorgan Junior Band is the latest project in Barry to receive money from O2's 'It's Your Community' programme.

Potential

The band's junior section has been awarded £1000 to buy more instruments and sheet music and will receive their cheque at a special 'taster day' on Saturday, when existing and potential new band members will rehearse, and later put on a short performance.

Achievement

The Vale of Glamorgan Junior Band began in 2007 and is for young people between the ages of 5 and 16. It quickly expanded to 15 members and has already produced a CD, which is quite an achievement for such a young group.

By purchasing the new instruments and sheet music, the band will be able to grow further, and start to fulfil its aim of giving something back to the local community — by playing at public events, nursing and residential care homes.

This award will give more young people in our small community the chance to continue their interest in music and it is something that they will be able to share with the rest of the communityMD, Dave Short

Thrilled

Dave Short, the Band's Musical Director is thrilled about the O2 award.

He told 4BR: "In today's age of the computer screen, the performing arts need all the help they can get. This award will give more young people in our small community the chance to continue their interest in music and it is something that they will be able to share with the rest of the community."

Fantastic project

"This is a fantastic project and I'm delighted It's Your Community has been able to get involved," said O2's Belinda Gamlin.

"The It's Your Community 'Culture' category was created to benefit projects just like the Vale of Glamorgan Junior Band, who help bring people from the community together. I am looking forward to seeing the band perform later this week."

Awards

Awards from £100 to £1,000 are available for ideas which benefit the community or build community spirit. The programme has now given over £1 million to 1,300 community projects across the UK.

To be inspired by the projects supported so far and apply for an award log onto
www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk < http://www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk/>