Get creative and make some music together

A scene from 2017's woodwind department concert

As part of the national ‘Get Creative’ festival, the Oldham Music Service is running a very special event on March 21. 

Around 500 young musicians that began to learn to play musical instruments in the last 12 to 18 months as part of whole class programmes in Oldham primary schools, are being invited to make music together at the Lyceum and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. 

They will spend the morning in smaller groups of similar instruments learning to play their band parts, before all coming together at the QE Hall to give a free performance for parents and families of the participants at 2.30pm.

The event is the central part of the Music Centre’s annual week-long celebration of Oldhamer’s musical prowess, with concerts given by Oldham Music Centre musicians at the QE Hall every evening from March 19 to 23. 

Monday features woodwind groups and wind bands, Tuesday is the string and orchestral concert, Wednesday is the vocal and choral event, Thursday features the many brass bands and percussion groups run by the Music Centre and on Friday 23 it’s the turn of the adult and community groups. 

All concerts start at 7.30pm.

Gerard Booth, Director of Music, said: “We are immensely proud of Oldham’s wealth of musical talent and of the fact that our musicians have so many great opportunities to share their skills. 

"The Biggest Band Day is a new initiative for us, but we are hopeful that it will encourage even more young people to continue to develop their talent with the Music Centre."

Tickets for the evening concerts are available from the Music Centre, from the QE Hall Box Office, or online at http://www.trybooking.co.uk/2676.